Frances Ritter Horton

FRANCES RITTER HORTON, age 84, of Dandridge, TN passed peacefully into eternity on May 7, 2023. She was a lifelong resident of Tennessee and faithful Christ follower. Frances was born and raised in Washburn, TN. She graduated from Washburn High School as valedictorian in 1954 and from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1958. Frances was married to Joe Carpenter Horton in 1960 and celebrated 29 years and 3 children until his death in 1989. She served as an agent for UT Agriculture Service for 7 years followed by over 30 years teaching in the Jefferson County School System. She was a lifelong learner whose passion for education was surpassed only by her love for the Lord, dedication to family and unselfish desire to help others. She was a steadfast woman of faith and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Dandridge, where she faithfully served in several areas including many years as a Sunday School teacher and nursery worker. Frances was a loyal wife, devoted mother, trusted friend, and committed Christian. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Edith Ritter, and an infant sister, Mable Fern. She is survived by her children, Rhonda Furlong (Chris), Leatha Young (Bob), and Joe Horton (Natalie); grandchildren, Phillip, Bryan, John and Connor Furlong, Cole and Blakely Young, Graham, Zoey and Grace Horton; sister, Ramah Phillips (Steve); brother, Kevin Ritter (Terry); and many nieces, nephews, cousins  and friends. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Farrar Funeral Home in Dandridge. The Celebration of Life will begin at 2 p.m. with graveside service immediately following at Dandridge Memorial Gardens. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org), or First Baptist Church of Dandridge. The family also wants to express gratitude and appreciation to Tennova Home Health, SR Medical, and the staff in the ICU department at Jefferson Memorial Hospital – especially nurses Melissa and Charity who showed care and compassion as if she were their mother. Thank you!

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Dandridge, TN