Mary Frances Johnson Lassiter

Born December 31, 1929 in Roxobel, NC, she was a daughter of the late Beulah Vaughan Johnson and Samuel Paul Johnson. She was married to the late James E. Lassiter, Sr. for 43 years.

Frances was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Sumter, SC where she served on the Alter Guild for more than 25 years, a service that was dear to her heart. She always sought to let her light shine through her good works, living her faith through service, friendship, and compassion for others.

Frances was a proud career military spouse and a retired civil servant with the Air Force. As such, she traveled extensively with her family to California, Alaska, and Europe. She especially enjoyed talking about her five-year adventure in Alaska, and exploring Germany, Rome and Paris. She had a great passion for antiques, plants, the beach, camping, baking, and sewing with her friends in the “Stitch and Bitch Club.” One of her greatest strengths was her sense of humor, which she had to the very end of her life.

Frances is survived by her daughter, Dr. Pamela S. Lassiter (Maddy); her son, Dr. James E. Lassiter, Jr. (Immy Rose); three grandchildren: James B. Lassiter (Staci), Fiona Lassiter, and Thembi Lassiter (Michel); and four great-grandchildren: Vivian, Audrey, Raphael, and Victor. She was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 16th at the Church of the Holy Cross, 335 N. Kings Hwy, Sumter, SC. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary Frances Lassiter’s name to the student scholarship fund in the Department of Counseling at the University of North Carolina, fund FD-440654 at giving.uncc.edu.