Frances was born on August 14, 1940, in Pocahontas, AR, to Mott and Martha Gschwend. She left Pocahontas and moved to Memphis, TN, where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Thorson. She was a loving mother to Travis (Scarlette) and Taylor (Deanne) Thorson.
As a Navy spouse, she lived in Norfolk, VA; Patuxent River, MD; Corpus Christi, TX; Adak, AK; San Diego, CA; San Miguel & Subic Bay, Philippines; and Orange Park, FL. After Bob’s death, she moved to Fort Worth, TX and then to Yorktown, VA.
During her life, she was also a loving grandmother to four granddaughters. She was a dear sister to Joan, Freda, Tom, Henry, James, Raymond, and six infant children who died prematurely.
Fran loved the beach and her Pepsi. She was fiercely independent, loved to laugh, and was a devout Catholic until her passing.
Fran will have a Catholic Mass to celebrate her life on November 8, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1107 E Highland Dr., Jonesboro, AR, at 10:00 AM. A Rosary service will be held just prior to Mass at 09:25 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation to the American Cancer Society or Catholic Charities.
