Martha Frances Fisher Ryan, was born January 20, 1927 in Rives, TN to John Moss Fisher and Margaret Poyner Fisher. Frances passed away this last Friday evening, November 8th, 2019 at Kirby Pines Retirement Home due to complications of a respiratory illness that began on Thursday morning, November 7, 2019.
Frances lived a very rich and full life. She attended Union University and Knoxville, TN and majored in Home Economics, and there she met and married (1950) the love of her life, Vincent Joseph Ryan (deceased). After moving to Memphis, they had 3 lovely daughters, Patricia (Patti) Margaret Ryan (Decatur, GA), Pamela Matilda Ryan (deceased), and Stephanie Marie Ryan (Atlanta, GA). Frances was an incredibly giving person and not only served as a leader of the Beata Circle of Kings Daughters and Sons, she taught Bible Study and was a Circle Leader and involved in Women of the Church at Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis and most recently Farmington Presbyterian, and was a choir member at both churches. In addition she served as an Enrichment Leader for 5 years with the Women’s Presbytery. She was also active in the Garden Club. Her service to God through the church continued until she could no longer teach, however, she continued her ministry as she lived her life serving the Lord. Her proudest career accomplishments were teaching adults and children, working in cancer research and singing in the church choir, as she had a beautiful voice.
She is survived by her daughters Patricia and Stephanie, her granddaughter Meridith Mercer Hathorn (Boone, NC) and her son-in-law Frank B. Parker (Atoka, TN).
The family wishes to express our greatest appreciation to the Kirby Pines staff, and the Crossroads Hospice staff, all friends as well as caretakers.
A gathering of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life Service at Memphis Funeral Home 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the the King's Daughters and Sons Home,C/O Jonathan Wales Comptroller, 3568 Appling Rd, Bartlett, TN 38133. Please add in Honor of Frances Ryan in the Memo Line.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Ryan family.
