Frances (Fran) Bolton Ledford

Frances (Fran) Bolton Ledford, 83, of Kingsport, was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on June 11, 2019 while under hospice care after an extended illness. She was the widow of COL Jerry Gale Ledford and mother of Lynda Ledford Graceffo, and Jerry Keith Ledford.

Born in Kingsport, Tennessee on November 4, 1935, she was the daughter of Fred Bolton and Kate Bolton. She had no siblings but many felt as if she were their sister. She attended Dobyns-Bennett High School, The University of Tennessee at Memphis, and The University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduated from East Tennessee State University. She used her education degree to teach all ages from pre-school through University level students.

Frances loved her church, the First Baptist Church of Kingsport TN. She enjoyed painting and was an accomplished artist. She even owned an arts and crafts store in Georgia. She also enjoyed her family, friends, sports (especially the VOLS), old movies, music, and the study of Christianity. She never met a stranger, befriending everyone she met. She will be remembered for her selflessness, compassionate spirit, positivity and warm smile. She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed beyond words here on Earth but celebrated in eternal life with her Heavenly Father.

Frances is survived by a daughter, Lynda and son, Keith; son-in-law, Gary Graceffo; four grandchildren, David Keith Ledford, Eva Kate Ledford, Stephanie Frances Graceffo, and Stephen Joseph Graceffo and four great grandchildren, Violet, Milo, Velvet, and Meadow. She is also survived by first cousin, Anne Bolton Davenport. Fran had memories of many close and cherished friends. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, visits, and expressions of concern. Special thanks to all those at Asbury Place at Steadman Hill, Asbury Place at Kingsport, and Wexford House for their compassion and dedication in Fran’s care. Fran was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend; she will be greatly missed.

While flowers are always welcome, those that wish may donate to the First Baptist Church of Kingsport Music Ministry or a charity of their choice.

Visitation will be held at the Hamlet Dobson Funeral Home located at 117 E. Charlemont Ave., Kingsport, TN 37660 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

A private entombment for the family will be held at the Oak Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Kingsport Tennessee at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019. Dr. Marvin Cameron will officiate. The Church is located at 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.