Frances Jane

(Williams) Pannell

Frances (Williams) Pannell, formerly of Staunton, VA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at the age of 91 at her residence in Buford, GA.

Frances was born in Staunton, VA on May 17, 1935, as a daughter of the late Arthur Alexander Williams and Selma (Brown) Williams.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Donald Pannell; her son, Arthur Pannell (Joyce); and her identical twin sister, Freda Smith.

Frances graduated from Booker T. Washington and was employed by The Virginia School for The Deaf and Blind (VSDB) before retiring as a nurse’s aide at Western State Hospital. Frances loved bird watching and gardening. She had a special gift for making people feel loved and welcomed through her great food and warm hugs. She was a walking example of perseverance and joy and will always be remembered for her laugh, quick wit, great sense of humor and her “tell it like it is” manner of speaking. Frances was perhaps best known for her comical warning not to make her show you “how the cow ate the “cabbage”.

She leaves behind her daughters, Donna P. McConnell (Andrew) of Buford, GA and Maria P. James (Mark) of Columbia, MD; ten grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews that she dearly loved.

A celebration of life will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church at 11:00 am on Monday, November 16, 2026 officiated by Rev. Michael Turner.

Burial will follow at Oaklawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The family would like to express our gratitude and love to all who have supported us through this challenging time with your words, prayers and other expressions of love.

Thank you to Inspire Hospice and Coffman Funeral Home for the care and compassion shown to our mother. Thank you Rev. Turner and the Ebenezer Baptist church family for your prayers, guidance and hospitality.