Frances Bonner Garvin

Frances Yvonne Bonner Garvin, of Raleigh, NC, previously of Aiken, SC, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026. She was a kind-hearted presence whose life reflected devotion to family, faith, and the joy of bringing people together.

Frances was born June 23,1933 in Alabama, to the late Madison Davis Bonner and Leota Burleson Bonner, the youngest of 3 sisters. She studied at the University of Alabama, working in the university’s library to pay tuition, and proudly marching as a flutist in the Million Dollar Band. After marrying and raising a family in Aiken, SC, she returned to school to complete her degree in Education with honors from USC-A.

A gifted artist, Frances excelled at cooking, sewing, quilting, painting and crossword puzzles! What she loved most was preparing meals for family and friends – the more the merrier! - and also enjoyed cooking Wednesday suppers at Millbrook Baptist. Known far and wide for her delicious biscuits, she also made the best chicken and dumplings ever and was thrilled to have had the opportunity to serve them to Clemson’s Coach Dabo Swinney, who concurred – they were something special. An avid sports fan, she enthusiastically cheered on her Crimson Tide, Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Braves. She treasured her independence, living on her own and cooking until the end.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Edwin Garvin, and sister, Frieda Bagwell.

She is survived by a large, loving family who will miss her very much: daughters Marilyn Rogers (Richard), Kathryn White (Richard), and Alice Hicks (Mike); sister Jean Dillinger; grandchildren Daniel White (April), Kelly White, Michael Hicks, Caroline Hinds (Mark), Ryan White (Michelle), Andrea Urbanski (Steve); and great-grandchildren Chelsea White, Eve Urbanski, and Drew Urbanski.

A celebration of life will be held in Aiken, SC on April 25.