Eleanor Frances "Fran" Baird's Obituary
Eleanor Frances “Fran” Baird, 96, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Haven Hospice. She was born on December 26, 1924, in Montezuma, North Carolina to parents Millard and Lillian Sudderth. She and her husband moved to Gainesville from Ocala in 2009 to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband of almost 69 years, Clay G. Baird, who passed away in 2011, and a son, Sherwin “Sandy” Baird in 2008. She is survived by a daughter, Lillian “Jeanie” (David) Porter; five grandchildren, Alex, Bevin, Kelly, Megan, and Katie, and eight “greats” as she fondly called them.
Fran was captain of her high school basketball team and enjoyed participating in “Jitterbug” dance contests with her older brother. She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, “southern style”. In fact, “Nana” took first place honors with her “grands” and “greats” for her fried chicken and deviled eggs.
Throughout her life, she felt a strong connection to her birthplace in Western North Carolina where she was born and raised. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. She led an amazing life, and her legacy will be her wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren living out the example of her strong Christian faith. Fran was a life-long Methodist and belonged to Trinity United Methodist Church.
A Celebration of Fran’s Life will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. in the Trinity United Methodist Chapel 4000N.W. 53rd St. Gainesville, with Rev. Steve Price officiating.
Interment will be held at Florida National Cemetery on August 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
For those who wish, donations may be made to Matney Liberty Church P.O. Box 1671 Banner Elk, NC 28604. In her memory.
Please visit her memorial page at: www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA
352-376-7556
What’s your fondest memory of Eleanor?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eleanor?
Share a story where Eleanor's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eleanor you’ll never forget.
How did Eleanor make you smile?