Frances Shirley Owenby

If you were searching Towns County for a true local resident, Frances Owenby would surely come to mind. On February 12, 2018 Frances passed away at Chatuge Regional Hospital surrounded by family and friends. 

Frances Owenby was born on September 5, 1943 to the late Paul and Paralee Owenby in the Scataway area of Hiawassee. It is this same area of the county that she lived most of her days. Frances will be remembered by many for her warm smile while working countless hours at the Georgia Mountain Restaurant. She was a dedicated employee for many years. Her genuine love of people is what made “Fran" so special at her job. Fran would often take her work home with her. If you were a person in need of a friend and a hot meal you were always welcome in her home. This was especially true during holidays. If you knew Frances you would never spend Christmas alone. Late summer was another terrific time to find yourself at the home of Frances. Her table would always be full of freshly fried vegetables from local gardens and a crowd of people that were family friends and occasionally the little-know stranger. After retiring, Frances continued to serve her community volunteering at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Everyone loved her warm smile and dinner at her table, but the thing Frances valued the most was her family. Preceding her in death was her son, the former Hiawassee Chief of Police, Jimmy Wright, great grandchild, Koda Wright, brothers; Carol Owenby, Larry Owenby, Clyde Owenby and sister; Paulette West. Frances leaves a long list of surviving family and friends; son and daughter-in-law; Terry and Beth Wright; daughter Angie Garrett, “adopted daughter” Laverne Weeks; grandchildren; Jared Wright, Brittany Wright and Carter Wright, Pablo, Brookie and Jona Vargas; great grandchildren, Kohen Wright and Eden Wright, sister Patricia Owenby and many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Frances will be greatly missed by family, friends and the community. 

Visitation: Wednesday, February 14, 2018 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Banister Funeral Home

Services: Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 1:00 PM from the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Glen Eller and Michael West officiating. Music provided by Ryan Wilson, Glen Eller, and Sheila Eller. 

Interment: Pine Grove Baptist Church cemetery in Hiawassee, Georgia.

Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.