Frances Jean Hurley Williams Barrett

Frances Jean Short Hurley Williams Barrett, 95, of Oceana, departed this life November 6, 2024. Born October 23, 1929 to Jerry Short and Goldie Rose Short, she was a strong, accomplished, beautiful soul who loved teaching children, and always enjoyed seeing former students. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, who loved her family unconditionally, always knowing what was going on with everyone. Her favorite things to do were sit in her rocking chair, talk on the phone to all her loved ones, and keep up with all the family. She was always a big part of her children and grandchildren's lives.

Frances taught elementary school for 35 years in Wyoming County. She then retired, enjoyed traveling, and also continued to substitute after she retired. She loved Florida, could tell anyone where to go, and enjoyed being the boss. While teaching, she simultaneously earned her Bachelors Degree in Education at Concord College and a Masters Degree plus 30 at Marshall University. She worked hard and accomplished so much! Frances was a member of the Oceana Woman's Club and Oceana First Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings: Upha Cline, Tavie Reid, Virginia Bunn, Phoebe Blankenship, Charles Byron Short, Harry Short, Carmel Short, Joe Short, and Curtis Short; son-in-law Benny Bowles; grandson Hans Anderson; deceased husbands: Anthony Hurley, Bill Williams, Bob Jenkins, and Carl Barrett; and friend Leo Bostwick.

She is survived by her daughters Melba Boggs, Charlotte Bowles, and Darlene Thornton (Jerry); eight grandchildren: Rebecca Lilly, Andrew Lilly (Annie), Adam Lilly, Kirk Adams (Dixie), Dara Ford (Lee), Marianne Hoggard (Joseph), Stephen Anderson and Nikki Dukes; nineteen great grandchildren: Adam Reese, JonLuke Reese, Patrick Lilly, Charlie Lilly, Caroline Lilly, Carter Lilly, Ryan Anderson, Brittany Armstrong (Henry), Liam Dukes, Julian Dukes, Nikolas Dukes, Fiona Broomfield, Skye Broomfield, Aiden Broomfield, Jaxon Broomfield, Ava Griffith, Adalynn Griffith, and Cash Hoggard; one great great grandchild: Rayne Armstrong and another Baby Armstrong on the way; one sister-in-law Betty Short, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

Visitation will be at Evans-Calfee Funeral Service in Oceana on Sunday, November 10, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with the funeral service immediately following, officiated by Rev. Jerry Cook.

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