Frances (Fran) Randolph Tant Tinnell passed away at her son’s home in Farmville on Saturday, January 7, 2017. She was born May 15, 1937 in Zebulon, NC, the second eldest of six sisters.

She moved to Richmond as a teenager, bringing along her four younger sisters and raising them alone.

After graduating from Highland Springs High School at the age of 16, she began work in the Administrative Offices of Henrico County Public Schools to support her sisters. A short time later she became the paralegal assistant to the Circuit Court Judges of Henrico County and Richmond City simultaneously.  In her later years she provided legal assistance to her son Eric, a family and criminal lawyer in Farmville.

Fran married L. Amos Tinnell, a hospital administrator, on February 29, 1964, supporting him for 52 years as wife, friend, and devoted mother to her two sons, Stephen of Davidson, NC and Eric of Farmville. She was preceded in death by two of her younger sisters, Mannette Thurman and Jackie Cabell.

She is survived by her husband; her two sons; daughter-in-law, Angie of Davidson, NC; two grandsons, Matthew and Gavin; two other younger sisters, Peggy Tant Berry and Dorothy Tant Simmons, both of Richmond; and one elder sister, Shirley Carmichael of Florida.

Fran was very active in her church with her children. She was honored with Life Membership in the United Methodist Women for her work in the church while living in Eden, NC. She was an avid reader and a woman of incredible strength of will.

In lieu of flowers, kindly send memorial donations in her name to Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library, 1303 W. Third Street, Farmville, VA 23901.

Her family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to her physicians, nurses, and friends for their loving care and support during her illness.

A visitation will be held at Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville on Thursday, January 12 from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery Park, 5970 Grassy Hill Rd, Boones Mill, VA (N. of Rocky Mount & just West of US #220) at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 13.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com.