Frances Bailey Lafone

Frances Bailey Lafone, 86, of Conover, North Carolina passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 11, 2025. A devoted wife, mother and Granny, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Lois Fox Bailey.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Donald Hugh Lafone. Their early years were spent in Kentucky before returning to Conover to raised their three daughters.

Frances is survived by her daughters; Donna Whitson and husband Wayne, Debbie Herman and husband Donald and Darlene Eckard and husband Richard; grandchildren, Christopher Haas and wife Natasha, Tabitha Spencer, Nicholas Herman and wife Shannon, Markeisha Elder and husband Patrick, La Shae Bialkoski and husband Mark, Samantha Diaz and wife Maddi, Kim Walker and husband Shane, Lori Sipe and husband Mark, Charley Kerley and husband Brian, Jonathan Eckard and wife Meredith and Jennifer Eckard; 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren who will never forget how much she loved them.

She worked as a sewer for many years, but her role as Granny is what brought her the most joy. Family was the centerpiece of Frances' life. She loved her family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. She was a dedicated member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Her faith sustained her through life's challenges and guided the love she gave to others. Frances enjoyed camping with her family and friends as well as being a Girl Scout leader. Out of all her travels, her favorite place was Oak Island where she enjoyed many memories with her family.

Loved ones are invited to honor her life on Friday, December 19th, 2025 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 3916 Springs Rd. Conover, NC. Visitation will be 1:00pm to 2:30pm. The service will be immediately following the visitation. Pastor Quentin Surace will oficate.

Burial will follow the service at the Church Cemetery on Houston Mill Road.

The family has requested that in lieu of cut flowers, plants that can be planted would be appreciated.