On July 15, 2021, Frances McDonald Lavelle (Tance) left this life. She was born in Jackson, Mississippi to Edward James Lavelle and Frances Ball Lavelle. She graduated from Millsaps College as an English major, where she excelled in the theater department managing props, costumes, and stage backgrounds.
Frances was known as an intelligent, thoughtful, generous and humorous individual who gave her life in service for others. She spent her working career with the U.S. Social Security Administration in Columbus and Tupelo, Mississippi, Dalton Georgia, Baltimore, Maryland, and Greenwood, Mississippi, where she led her team to provide compassionate service to the public. After retiring, she continued to act as a Social Security consultant, as well as, always available to assist friends with questions regarding Social Security.
While in Greenwood, Frances was a faithful communicant at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, where she served on the vestry, as a Sunday School leader, and as a staff member on numerous Episcopal Cursillos. Additionally, her faith drew her to completing Millsaps' Journey Partners Program in Spiritual Direction. She was a member of a group from Journey Partners which met quarterly for six years to foster a strong spiritual life.
In 2016, Frances moved to Fairhope, Alabama where she became a member of the arts community. She spent time with her book club, pottery class, and took up painting. She was a poet, storyteller in the true Southern form, and essayist. Always a life-long student, she was an avid reader. Her generosity was not only shown to her family and friends but to all living things. She left two Westies, who were much loved, named Wendy and Finny.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She leaves her brother, Eddie Lavelle of Greenwood and numerous cousins.
A memorial service will be held in Jackson, Mississippi, on October 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral with visitation at 10 a.m. Masks and social distancing are requested.
For memorials, please donate to the Episcopal Relief Fund or to an animal shelter of your choice.
