Frances Carter Jones

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 25, 1957, to the late Elizabeth McLellan and Albert Carter, Frances was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, alongside her sister, Margaret, and her two brothers, John and Albert. She graduated from Tyner High School and went on to earn her degree from the University of Tennessee. Though she went to school for respiratory therapy, she found her true talent and calling in advertising and sales.

She eventually settled in Johnson City, where she lived most of her life and built a home centered on family, faith, and community. It was shortly after moving to Johnson City that she met her husband, Louis. A longtime, faithful member of Jonesborough United Methodist Church, she poured her heart into raising her son and daughter in the grace and fellowship of the church family. Later in life, she and Louis enjoyed their years as snowbirds, happily splitting their time between the sunshine of Englewood, Florida, and their mountain roots in Johnson City.

Her life was defined by the things she held most dear: her faith, her family, and her animals. Long before her career in advertising, her early years were filled with local history and simple joys—helping host guests at bed and breakfasts during the International Storytelling Festival and popping her children onto her bicycle to ride down Main Street for afternoon window shopping.

Frances was a true creative at heart. In her earlier years, she painted constantly, and throughout her life, her home was filled with sewing projects, thrifting treasures, and endless inspiration—always with a million ongoing projects, perfectly content having finished a quarter of them.

Her home was the ultimate place of comfort. She was an amazing cook whose kitchen was always open, and no one ever stopped by without finding some type of delicious, sweet treat waiting on the counter. Her ideal days were spent enjoying lunch dates with her best friend, getting lost in mystery books and Lifetime movies, or soaking in the warm Florida sunshine and ocean breeze at the beach. Above all else, she adored her kids, cherished her grandkids beyond measure, and doted endlessly on her dogs and her children’s dogs, around whom so much of her daily joy revolved.

She is survived by her loving husband, Louis; her son, Jeremy (Lindsey); her daughter, Jessi (David); her cherished grandchildren Gabriel, Ronan, Annie, Emmett, Harvey, and Rya; her sister, Margaret (Doug); her brothers, Albert, and John (Cammie); her beloved dogs, Katie and Max; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth McClellan and Albert Carter.

A service celebrating her life will be held on her birthday, Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2:00 at Jonesborough United Methodist Church (211 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659). The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "The Frances Fund", a nonprofit being established in her honor to provide financial assistance for essential medical care and welfare needs for shelter animals and families with pets in need. Contributions can be sent via Venmo to @thefrancesfund.