Obituary of Frances Fontaine Slade

It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to our cherished Frances, whose boundless love and vibrant laughter graced our lives with light and joy. Frances was a beacon of positivity,illuminating our days with her delightful anecdotes and heartwarming laughter, making every space she entered feel like home. Born to Amanda and George Kerner Fontaine on May 3rd, 1933, in Kernersville, and lovingly called home by the Lord on October 26th, 2023, to reunite with her heavenly family.

Her compassionate heart was as vast and warm as the ocean, enveloping us in a world filled with love, wonder, and enchanting tales that touched our souls. Frances, survived by her devoted son John, daughter-in-law Laura and adoring granddaughter Jessie, as well as her dear cousins Barbara and Fontaine Carter, and Sally Greenfield-Ryer, leaves us with a legacy of love, laughter, and wisdom that will forever be our guiding light.

Her humor was a gift, a daily ray of sunshine that transformed ordinary moments into cherished memories, teaching us the enduring power of joy and resilience.One of Frances' most cherished memories from teaching revolves around a young farm boy with an initial disdain for school. Fate brought him into Frances' classroom, a move that unknowingly transformed his attitude towards education.

Under her guidance, the boy discovered a profound love for reading a change so remarkable that his astonished mother visited the classroom, extending a hand of gratitude to Frances. It was a defining moment for Frances, affirming her impact and leaving her eagerly anticipating the extraordinary achievements the boy would undoubtedly unfold in the future.

Most people knew Frances as the nurturing mother who looked after everyone with unwavering care. Whenever you visited her home, she always offered a warm meal, and interestingly enough, she never left the house without a pistol. Frances was a formidable force, yet within her resided a heart of immense kindness. Her profound love for animals steered the course of her life, a sentiment she lovingly imparted to her children.

Frances wasn't overly concerned with appearances or perfection; she found joy in life's simplicity embracing the mess and spontaneous adventures. Her daughter, Amanda, often remarked playfully, "It was sure fun raising her," capturing Frances' lively spirit. Uninhibited, Frances would stroll into department stores, belting out opera at the top of her lungs, much to her granddaughter's embarrassment, and then joyously dance with whichever employee crossed her path.

Politically outspoken, Frances never hesitated to tell Mike and Mimi they leaned too liberal. A woman of expressive words, her mother often commented on her rich vocabulary of curses, despite attempts at discipline, Frances still carried this vocabulary with her today.

Her laughter was infectious, whether she was laughing with you, at you, or reminiscing about a whimsical moment from the past. Frances' vibrant memory continues to dwell in our hearts, guiding us as we navigate a world learning to thrive without her physical presence but knowing she is forever present.

A memorial service to celebrate Frances' remarkable life will be held on Saturday, November 4th, at 11:00 am at Pierce-Jefferson in Kernersville, with Rev. John Right delivering the benediction. In her memory, we will continue to celebrate the love, warmth, and wonderful stories that she generously shared with us.