Mrs. Frances Loretta Maples, age 80, Jonesborough, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026, at her residence.
Mrs. Maples was born January 12, 1946, in Greeneville, Tennessee, to the late Maynard & Rena Midge Lewis Morrison. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Maples, daughter, Christy Rose and two brothers, Voy Lynn Morrison and Jack Morrison.
She was Co-Owner & Operator, with her husband, of Maples Auto Shop.
She was a very special nana to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to make homemade Sunday meals for her family. She held together our family through every season of life with unwavering love, strength and kindness. She helped raise generations of our family, offering comfort, wisdom and unconditional love. Nothing made her happier than watching her family grow, celebrating our accomplishments, comforting us through difficult times and reminding us that we were deeply loved. Nana was deeply loved and she will be profoundly missed every single day. We will honor her by caring for one another the way she always cared for us, keeping her memory alive with every family gathering and every shared meal.
Survivors include daughter, Donna Taylor, Jonesborough; granddaughter, Alyssa Brackins, Jonesborough; grandson, Robert Rose, Jonesborough; great grandchildren, Abbi Riner, Bradley Johnson, Haleigh Rose, and Ryleigh Rose; brothers, Elliott Morrison, and Dough Morrison, both of Jonesborough; sister-in-law, Rachel Morrison, Elizabethton; uncle & aunts, Fred & Gail Gilbert, Greenville and Elsie Wilhoit, Virginia.
Graveside services will be conducted 2:00 PM Monday, July 20, 2026, at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Hammer officiating.
Trying to fit all my memories of Fran into this little space is impossible. I'd need a whole book!
I practically grew up at her house. If I wasn't there, I was riding in her car, hanging out in Pammy's big room, or "driving" that old car in the shop all over the world with Christy. I honestly knew my way around their house as well as I knew my own.
Friday nights belonged to Fran. We'd all pile into the car for dinner at Western Steer Steakhouse, followed by a trip to the mall. Those were the best nights.
I also learned very early that if Fran was driving, Conway Twitty or George Jones was going to be on the radio. She absolutely could not understand why we wanted to listen to that "awful" 80s music, and we had many good-natured battles over the radio station. Looking back, I have to admit... she probably won more often than we did!
She welcomed me into her family so completely that trips to South Carolina to visit Mammaw felt like I was visiting my own grandmother. I never felt like a guestâ€"I was simply one of her kids.
In more recent years, I'd take my mom and we'd stop by to visit or give Fran a call because she loved talking on the phone. We'd laugh about the "good ole days," and she and Mom would reminisce about their "mom days," working together, making rum balls, and all the adventures and stories they shared.
Thank you, Fran, for the love, the laughter, the country music (whether I wanted to hear it or not), and for making me feel like family. Those are memories I'll always treasure. Rest easy, sweet Mom Fran. â¤ï¸
07/19/2026
Danny Good
A wonderful lady!
Sorry for your loss Donna
07/08/2026
Sandra Strouth
I worked with Fran many years at Citi. She was such a caring, giving person and a joy to be around. I know the family will miss her sweet smile and love she had for her family. My prayers and condolences are with the family.
07/07/2026
Wendy Bruner
Donna..your momma loved us coming and going in and out of her home...she kept the door open and the LIGHT on. Shine brighter dear sister....when our parents leave this earth...they pass the torch of Jesus! Soon and very soon, we are going to see the KING! I love u! So grateful to have had just a little time with both your loving momma and hard working dad!
07/07/2026
Billie Sue Hubbard
I am so so sorry. Fran was always so nice to our family. I had not seen her in years but she is one of my fond memories of Sulphur Springs. Her caring smile and concern for my family has never been forgotten. I am so sorry for your loss and praying for the family.
07/07/2026
Jeff Thompson
My condolences to the family! I was just a young kid living in Sulphur Springs, TN as a transplant from Ohio. Fran and Tad, Donna and Christy were always kind and loving. I miss my friends who has departed and thank the Lord for them and those who are still with us here on this earth. May God's grace and mercy offer you the blessing of knowing we will see each other again in the life to come in our Father's Kingdom, Heaven. Amen.
07/07/2026
Jodie Canter
I worked with Fran at Citi. She was always the sweetest woman and always so positive. Sending prayers to the family and those close to her.
