Frances McMahan Ledford, 96, of the Estatoe community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the home of her daughter, just two weeks shy of her 97th birthday. A native of Mitchell County, Frances was a lifelong and devoted member of Big Crabtree Baptist Church, where she nurtured a deep faith that guided her throughout her life. She was known for her hardworking spirit, whether at home in her garden, kitchen, or at her job for many years as an inspector with Spruce Pine Mica Company.
Frances was wonderful at cooking, canning, and sewing, skills she passed down to her family and loved ones. Born September 18, 1928, Frances was the daughter of the late Latt and Ada Young McMahan. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ivan Leonard Ledford, who passed away in 1990; her son, Kenneth Ledford; and her siblings: Gladys Robinson, Illean Autrey, Genevieve Martin, Bill McMahan, and Bobby McMahan.
Frances leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her daughter, Loretta Glenn of Spruce Pine; sons, David Ledford (Alma) of Spruce Pine and Ray Ledford (Wanda) of Taylorsville; sister, Brenda Cook of Spruce Pine; eight grandchildren; twelve great- grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Frances was a pillar of strength, grace, and love, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. at Big Crabtree Baptist Church on Rabbit Hop Road on Sunday, September 7, 2025 with a visitation to be held one hour prior to the service. Rev. Mike Rathbone and Rev. Dean Honeycutt will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Big Crabtree Baptist Church in Frances’s memory at 2143 Rabbit Hop Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the nurses and caregivers that helped take care of her down throughout the years.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
