Frances Cooksey Danley

Frances Cooksey Danley, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, was born on January 28, 1937, in Madison County, Tennessee, to the late Dan and Elizabeth Bain.

Frances was affectionately known as “Nana” by her Cooksey family and “Aunt Franny” by her Bain family, and "Frances" to the Danley family. To those who knew and loved her, she was a caring and nurturing presence whose life was centered around her family, her faith, and the joy she found in caring for others.

Some of her family’s fondest memories were made during sleepovers at Nana’s house, where pallets covered the floor and meals of spaghetti, hot dogs, and homemade canned pickles became treasured traditions. Frances had a special gift for making holidays memorable, creating dresses and costumes with her excellent sewing skills. She loved dancing in the kitchen and was always ready for an adventure. Her determination and love for her family even demonstrated her independence to board a plane and visit her grandchildren.

Her nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart. They fondly remembered her picking them up from school and taking them to Casey Jones Ice Cream Parlor, as well as the time spent learning to crochet and making afghans together.

Frances was devoted to her church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Above all, Frances loved well, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on through the generations of her family.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Elizabeth Bain; her husbands, Billy Hartwell Cooksey, to whom she was married for 35 years, and Dr. Walter Elzie Danley; her siblings Peggy Bain, Bessie Sadler and Harold Bain.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Barbara Cooksey Fox (Richard) of Pennsylvania, Billie Cooksey Duke of Jackson, and Barry L. Cooksey (Jan) of Jackson; her grandchildren, Jennifer Fox Yeakel (Scott) of Pennsylvania, Dr. Richard Alan Fox (Stacey) of Pennsylvania, Stephanie Duke Oglesby of Florida, Loyd A. "Tony" Duke of Jackson, Kelly Cooksey Robertson (Treavor), and Christopher S. Cooksey (Stevie); 12 great-grandchildren; four nieces; and 10 nephews.

She is also survived by her sister, Clara Mae Matthews (Jimmy) of Henderson, Tennessee and her brother, Danny Bain of Mercer along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

A service to celebrate the life of Frances Danley will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 12:30 pm at Hollywood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons, prior to the service.

Frances leaves behind a legacy found not only in the family she loved, but in countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary memories.