Frances Shiflett Seaton

Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband Chris; as well as her parents, Charles and Jayne Shiflett; brother, Tommy Shiflett; sister-in-law, Diana Shiflett; and brother-in-law, Richard D. Seaton.

She is survived by her three daughters, Kathryn Seaton Berry (Ashley); Evelynn Seaton Browne (Charlie); Holly Seaton Moore (Sean): her adored grandchildren: Liam, Cole and Laney Berry; Rylie, Lilly and Sydney Browne; Emma and Abby Moore; sisters, Grace Shiflett Myers and Rebekah Shiflett; brothers, Charlie (Gwen), Ronald (Marya) and Rolfe Shiflett (Julie); brother-in-law, James R. Seaton (Peggy) and numerous nieces and nephews whom she deeply loved.

Frances was 13 when she met Chris – he was her swim team coach at WOCC. They married when she was 20 and were together for the next 45 years. Following retirement, Frances and Chris spent most of their time at Edgewater, their cottage on the Rappahannock River. The river was Frances’s happy place; she loved the serenity and peacefulness which she warmly shared with family and friends. After Chris’s passing, she adopted many animals that were the source of much comfort and entertainment.

Frances was a graduate of Westhampton College, University of Richmond. After teaching English for over 30 years, she retired from Chesterfield County Schools. She was a strict but popular teacher; to this day many of her students remain in touch through letters, lunches and social media. Frances also continued relationships with friends from grade school and enjoyed regular cocktails with her former teacher colleagues.

Family was paramount in her life, She became “Franny” upon the birth of her first granddaughter. She was devoted to her grandchildren and never missed a dance recital, singing performance or wrestling match. If they were performing, Franny was there. She loved tradition and was at every family gathering; she never missed an opportunity to celebrate family and usually was the last to leave the party. Her thoughtful presents, her hand-stitched blankets, and pillows became treasured family heirlooms. Frances’s cherished roles were wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Our only consolation is that she is with Chris whom she missed and loved so deeply.

In memory of Frances, her family would be honored if you would be kind to a person or animal that needs it.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 28th, from 6-8pm at Woody Funeral Home - Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am on Friday, March 29th.