Frances Marian Patterson Lawhorne, 91, of Lynchburg, passed peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 11, 2012, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She was married to her childhood sweetheart, Maurice Travis Lawhorne for 62 years and joined him in heaven exactly 5 years to the day following his passing. She was born in Lynchburg on August 17, 1920, the daughter of the late Walter Burks Patterson and Fannie Lee Mason Patterson. She grew up in the Fairview community and was a lifelong active member of Fairview United Methodist Church where she and Maurice were proud to be charter members of the Challenger Sunday school class. Frances was a graduate of E.C. Glass High School and Virginia Commercial College. She was employed by Craddock Terry Shoe Corporation and J.P. Bell Company. She played Canasta once a month with the same 8 friends for 32 years and was a member of the Y Friendly Club. She married her sweetheart Maurice after he returned from Europe during World War II. They traveled to various parts of the United States while Maurice remained in the Air Force before returning to Lynchburg to start their family. Frances was truly an inspiration to all. She kept a positive outlook with the courage and strength to overcome all of life's adversities. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love and commitment to family and faith. She taught us to be graceful, patient, compassionate and forgiving. Frances always put others before herself and never hesitated to help a friend in need. She enjoyed cooking and sending cards to friends and family for every occasion. Frances was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who touched the lives of many. She is survived by three daughters, Linda Lawhorne and husband, Dr. David Kiger of Forest, Carolyn Ethridge of Aspen, Colorado, and Joan Precious and husband, John of Forest; five grandchildren, Alison Ferretti and husband, Brendan, Chris Richmond, Kelly Richmond, Leigh Ethridge and Drew Precious; great-granddaughter, Kaila Ethridge; sister-in-law, Loris Patterson of Gaithersburg, Maryland; and brother-in-law, C.W. Lawhorne, Jr. and his wife Margaret of Lynchburg. She was preceded in death by her husband Maurice T. Lawhorne, sister Doris (Dot) Patterson Carwile and husband Edward, brother Reginald Patterson, and grandson David Ethridge. A celebration of her love and life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Fairview United Methodist Church, led by Reverend Dr. Gregg Anderson of the Aspen Chapel, Pastor Carlton Duck of Gethsemane Baptist Church and Pastor Reason Chandler of Fairview UMC. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service in the Lawhorne Fellowship Hall. Interment will take place at 1:30 p.m. following the reception at Spring Hill Cemetery. The family would like to recognize with love and gratitude all the caregivers who provided their love and support to Frances over the years.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions, please consider Fairview United Methodist Church or the Arthritis National Research Foundation (www.curearthritis.org).

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Road, (434) 239-2405 is assisting her family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com