Frances (Lance) Butler

Frances Lance Butler, 88, was born in Blairsville, GA on October 28, 1935, to the late Thomas Stanley Lance and the late Lora Pearl Richards Lance. She passed away peacefully on March, 16, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Frances grew up during a time when life was not easy and walking four miles to catch a school bus was a reality. Saturday nights were fondly remembered sitting around the radio listening to the Grand Ole Opry.

After graduating from Union County High School in 1951, she moved to Atlanta to attend Marsh Business College and later became a secretaryat the Southern Regional Education Board of Atlanta. It was during this time that she discovered she needed some dental work. A visit to the Emory Dental School would put her life on a new path when she met her late husband, Dr. John (Jack) Butler. Married in 1956, the couple moved to Clarkesville, Georgia.

Raising three sons and a daughter in the Habersham County schools, Frances was a very vocal fan at all sporting events. The family joined and enjoyed many years of fellowship at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville. After her children were grown, Frances also worked in the guidance office at Habersham Central High School. Near and dear to her heart were her Bridge Club ladies who kept her active and gave her happiness for decades. 

Frances is survived by her three sons and daughter, John and Angela Butler (Clarkesville), Steve Butler (Clarkesville), Mike and Cherral Butler (Clarkesville), Cindy Butler (Marietta); and sister, Carneal Burnette (Cumming), as well as five grandchildren, Chelsea, Jake,Melodee, Morgan, and Anna; and six great-grandchildren, Aaron, Tyler, Ellie, Colt, Brooks, and Oliver. Frances is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jack Butler; sisters, Juanseal Lance Dowell and Mildred Lance Baucom; and brother, Richmond Thomas Lance.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarkesville. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall. 

An online guestbook is available for the family at www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville, GA. 706-754-6256

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