Frances Eloise Thaxton, of Princton, quietly passed from this life Thursday evening, June 26, 2025, with her loving family at her side. Born January 26, 1929, in Montgomery, she was the daughter of the late Wm. Ernest Simmons and Rosa Rhodes Simmons. She was a high school graduate and received an associate's degree from West Virginia State Institute of Technology.  Fran worked as a church secretary at a very early age and later began a career with FMC which spanned more than 30 years. She was the very first lady with FMC that was promoted to Foreman. Prior to moving to Princeton, Fran and her late husband lived in St. Albans, Wilmington, NC, and Greensboro, NC, where they were active in many organizations and groups including women's club, garden club, historical society, Red Hat society, and square dancing. She also enjoyed traveling on their houseboat for many years. Fran was a very well-traveled lady, having seen the world and all 50 states.  She was a very gifted painter and loved doing crafts and flower arranging.  Upon moving to Princeton, she was active with the Mercer County Commission on Aging, where she participated in many of their activities. Fran was a rock star for the Chuck Mathena Center, having logged thousands of hours of volunteering. She was of the Methodist Faith and worked in the clothing pantry at Kee Street United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband James O. Thaxton, daughter, Denise Marie Parker, and two siblings, Virginia & Gutherie. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving family, grandchildren, Kimberly Jones & husband Rick, Megan Cuccaro & husband Ken, a sister Evelyn Wiseman, whom she loved dearly. She was also a beloved stepmother to Rex Thaxton & wife Diana, and Barry Thaxton & wife Beth.  She also leaves behind a host of great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who she cherished. A time of gathering and sharing to celebrate the life of Frances E. Thaxton will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton.  Interment will be private in the Thaxton Family Cemetery in Charleston at a future date.