Frances Watkins Gann

Frances Lee Watkins Gann, of Stoneville, North Carolina, left her earthly body on Friday, December 26, 2025, to be reunited with her beloved husband and children.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Stoneville Municipal Cemetery. A gathering will follow the service; the location will be announced afterward.

Frances was born in Rockingham County on August 23, 1940, to the late Melvin Lee Watkins and Vera Mae Canady Watkins. Frances was a true survivor who overcame many obstacles throughout her life while remaining a devoted and loving wife for 60 years. She was a caring and dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to all her “babies.”

Known as the Martha Stewart of her family, Frances expressed her love through cooking, gardening, and beautiful floral arrangements. She was especially well known for her cooking at Gann’s Restaurant and the Whistle Stop Café, where her meals brought comfort and joy to many.

In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her husband, William Donald Gann; son, Jerry Lee Gann; daughter, Cynthia Gann Haskins; daughter-in-law, Connie Comer Gann; sister, Faye Watkins Young; and brothers, Ronald Dean Watkins and William Davis Watkins.

She is survived by her son, James Perry Gann; daughter, Teresa Renee Gann; grandchildren, Somer Griffin, Nora Gann, and Jordan Gann; and great-grandchildren, Riley Gann, Griffin Gallant, and Sofia Wilson. She is also survived by her sisters, Loretta Grogan, Sandra Price, and Odessa Cardwell; brother, Darrell Watkins; honorary daughter, Suzanne Williams; special niece, Ianthia Young; her dearest friend and aunt, Annie Cassidy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Frances also leaves behind her beloved family pets, Bella the dog and Viggo the cat.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nurses at Amedisys Hospice Care, especially Jessica and Sylvia Evans, for their exceptional care of Frances.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a hospice home of your choice or a tree may be planted in her memory.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com