Frances M. Gay

After graduation from Central High School, she attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she met her future husband, William C Gay. Soon after graduating with a Bachelors Degree, she and Bill married and lived in variety of locations during his military service, their three years in Panama being their favorite.

They returned to Charlotte where she began work at CPCC as a graphic artist. Fran soon discovered her interest in preservation, which became a lifelong pursuit. She worked on projects in New York and North Carolina, was a long time member of The National Trust and received many accolades and awards during her career.

The project closest to her heart was the painstaking restoration of her Victorian home, which led to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. She was a founding member of the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association and served as president in its second year. An avid animal lover, Fran supported several animal care and advocacy groups. She lavished attention on her own pets as well as those of her friends.

Fran is survived by her husband, William C Gay; sister, Harriette Ann Stephens; and Fran’s beloved poodle, Jackie.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 in Sharon Memorial Park's Well of Apostle's Section, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Humane Society of Charlotte (https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/) or charity of your choice.