Mary Frances Ward was born in Thomaston, Georgia on the 9th of October 1935, the first child and eldest daughter of James Morgan Ward and Mary Calhoun Ward. She relished her memories of growing up in Thomaston with her younger siblings Danford and Lanita. Mrs. Mann was a 1952 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and furthered her education at the University of Georgia Atlanta Division, presently known as Georgia State University.
It was in Atlanta where Frances caught the eye of a young pharmacy student, Charles Colquitt Mann, who was working in a drug store where she frequented the soda fountain. He would soon become her husband, and their journey would take them from Atlanta to Roberta and back to Atlanta before calling Elberton home in 1960.
Once settled in Elberton, Frances devoted herself to her family, church, and friends. Mrs. Mann was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Elberton where she was a member of the Mary Freeman Sunday school class and a past chairman of the Altar Guild and the Book Club. She also served with the Ladies Auxiliary at Elbert Memorial Hospital. Frances worked alongside Charles at the family business, Mann’s Pharmacy, for over 40 years.
A true southern belle, she always dressed and presented herself with elegance. Frances was a talented interior decorator and an avid gardener. She was a consummate hostess who enjoyed hosting events from Tomato Sandwich Parties at Cogburn Hall and Shoal Lily Parties at Graben River Farm on Broad River to the most lavish, formal dinners. Her cooking abilities far exceeded the most talented gourmet chefs. Mrs. Mann looked forward to playing with her many bridge groups each week as well as with the “Traveling Trumps”, a traveling bridge group. Frances was extremely musically inclined and played the piano live on the Elberton radio for 25 years. She could also play the guitar, trumpet, and ukulele. Her athletic ability led her to have a lifelong passion for playing tennis.
She was the devoted wife of 68 years to Charles Mann; the dedicated mother to her children: Greg Mann of Elberton and Julie Mann of Augusta; the doting "Gram" to her grandchildren: Mary Roberts of Atlanta, Will Mann of St. Simons Island, Ben Mann of Elberton, Grace Dejean of Atlanta, Pate Mann of Atlanta, and Charlsie Mann of Macon; the adoring "Grammie" to her great-grandchildren: Millie Roberts, Francie Mann, Bennett Roberts, and Patton Mann. Additionally, she leaves behind her brother-in-law, Edward Phillips of Elberton; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James Morgan Ward and Mary Calhoun Ward; brother, James Danford Ward and his wife Sylvia; and her sister and best friend, Lanita Ward Phillips.
The family will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home on Sunday, the 6th of November from 1:00-1:45 p.m. A celebration of Mrs. Mann’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jim McCollough officiating. It was her wish to be cremated, and the family is honoring her request.
Flowers are greatly appreciated by the family, and those wishing may make contributions in her memory to First United Methodist Church of Elberton, 132 E. Church Street, Elberton, Georgia 30635.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.berryfh.com.
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, Georgia is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Frances Ward Mann.
Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of any local arrangements.
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