Frances Howard

Born in Vina, Alabama on November 15, 1925

Departed on November 24, 2016 and resided in Ashland City, Tennessee

Frances Elizabeth Upton Howard, age 91 of Nashville, passed away November 24, 2016.

She was one of nine children, born to Hosea Calvin and Sarah-Jane Upton, born November 15, 1925. Frances grew up on a cotton farm in Alabama, but left for Memphis when she was 17. Married life, and beginning a family, offered her the opportunity to relocate to Chicago, then finally to California. It was in California that she began building the traditions and family legacy of gatherings for special occasions.

Fran loved to cook and spent time learning from well-known chefs and talented cooks in the restaurants where she worked. She believed in the freshest of ingredients and often planted and harvested her own vegetables. Gardening was another of her favorite past-time activities.

Growing up during the Depression, and being a single parent, Fran knew how to find a bargain. She loved yard sales and would spend hours in the local thrift stores looking for that perfect find. Her self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial spirit led her to start her own businesses.

Frances will be remembered for her selfless attitude. She loved her family and cared deeply for others. On several occasions she invited people into her home who would otherwise have no place to call home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, and two sons: Gerald Floyd Rose and Patrick Edward Rose.

Frances is survived by her daughter: Renette Susan (Randy) Lewis; son: David Robert Howard; brother: Arvie (Marie) Upton; five grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Her legacy of care and compassion will live in those who loved her.

Her family will gather from 1:00 - 2:00 PM on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, for visitation. Celebration of Life Services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday. Interment will follow in Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.