Frances Whitt Abel

Frances W. Abel, of Gadsden, AL, died Saturday, April 30, 2022. Born on July 12, 1933, she was 87 years old. A graveside service will be held at 1pm Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at Crestwood Cemetery. Pastor Tom Laile will officiate. Collier Butler Funeral Home will direct service.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Franklin (Frank) Abel, sisters Lillian White, Novella Broom, and Christine Meers, and brothers, John Whitt and Calvin Whitt.

She graduated from Hokes Bluff High School and Gadsden Business College, where she learned secretarial skills. She began her career as secretary for Gadsden attorney and businessman, B.L. Noojin, Jr. Later, she transitioned to education administration and worked many years as secretary to superintendents of both Gadsden City and Etowah County Boards of Education, most recently retiring from Gadsden City Board of Education.

She was a long-time loyal and active member of Bellevue United Methodist Church and a member of the Alabama Education Association (AEA). In earlier years, she was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She delighted in helping people, from her family members to her neighbors, and believed in doing something nice for someone every day. Being an avid Alabama football fan in earlier years, she and Frank loved traveling to out-of-town games on the weekends with other family members. In later years, she enjoyed gardening and attracting bluebirds to her back yard.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Franklin, son-in-law, David Franklin, nieces Pat Baker and Anne Coker, great-nieces Jennifer Henslee, Miriam Morris (Clay), great-nephews Mark Baker (Chalet) and Reb Baker, and several other nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Kristy Gwin and all the wonderful staff of Encompass Hospice and to dear family friend, Shirley Cryer, and her group, for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Bellevue United Methodist Church, or to your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the ABEL family.