Mary Frances "Fran" Layton Jessup

Funeral services for Fran will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 12:00 p.m. at The Loflin Funeral Home Chapel, 212 West Swannanoa Avenue, Liberty, NC. Officiating will be her grandson, Zachary Davis and Don Dougan. Burial will follow at Dr. Clyde M. Gilmore Memorial Park in Julian. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Fran was born September 24, 1945 in Guilford County, was a restaurant worker for many years for her brother-in-law and sister, Johnny and Louise Murray in High Point. She later started her own business, Simple Cleaning by Fran. She cleaned for the Furniture Market during these years, which she enjoyed tremendously. She made many friends during the course of these two businesses, remaining close with them until her passing.

Fran enjoyed working in her yard and especially her flowers, which were beautiful and enjoyed by all who saw them. She was widely known for hosting great 4th of July parties, which she loved to do. She loved going to the Coast in the fall with her brother, Jim and his family, her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed fishing and flounder gigging with them all. She loved country music and going to The Barn Dance in Julian to hear Tony Straughn sing.

Fran loved the Lord and her family and attended many churches. She was thankful to the Lord for all of His many blessings, and always knew she was very blessed. She considered Jesse Wallace her very best friend. She was a loving, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She shared a special bond with twin granddaughters, Olivia and Alisha Davis, the joy of her life.

Fran was the daughter of the late, R.T. and Mamie Coble Layton and was also preceded in death by her brothers, Garland, W.D., J.E., and Jim; and sisters, Louise and Nell.

Surviving are daughters Lisa Dawn Sappenfield (Mark) and Leslie Dayne Watts (Chris); grandsons, Zachary Davis, Christian Watts; granddaughters, Olivia and Alisha Davis, Cidney and Logan Watts; great-grandsons, Cole and Caleb Davis, Camden Shanberg; great-granddaughter, Kadi Mullins all of Thomasville; sisters, Ruby O’Briant of Randleman, Ann Lowe of Liberty, Thelma Caviness of Jacksonville, FL.; sister-in-law, Ruby Bailey Layton; and many nieces and nephews, who were all very special to her.

Fran wanted to thank all of her friends at William Booth Garden Apartments for all they did for her during her time there. She also wanted to thank her very special sister-in-law, Ruby Bailey Layton, for all she did for her during all the years she was in her life. She also thanks Ann Butler of Julian for her love and support when she moved back to Julian and lived a few years in her grandfather, Dave Layton’s house. This was a time of joy she treasured dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1803 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com.

Loflin Funeral Home in Liberty is honored to serve Fran’s family.