Frances Taylor Gilley, passed away peacefully at her home in Tampa, Florida, on December 1, 2012. Born on July 12, 1918, in Nashville, Tennessee; she lived in Town Creek, Alabama, until 1936, when she married Waldo Bachman Gilley.After having worked in several locations for the Tennessee Valley Authority, they moved to the Panama Canal Zone in 1939 working for the Panama Canal Company. Her husband served in the United States Navy Seabees during WW II before returning to work for the Panama Canal Company. Their four children were born in the Canal Zone. After her husband's death in 1969, Frances left the Canal Zone and moved to Tampa, Florida.
Frances attended Florence State Teacher's College in Florence, Alabama; was a member of Town Creek Baptist Church and a member of the Town Creek Chapter 249 of the Order of Eastern Star for over 70 years. Her mother was a Charter and lifetime member of Chapter 249.
While in the Canal Zone, Frances was a Sunday School Teacher, served on the Girl Scout Council, Boy Scout Council and the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as President on two different occasions. During her first term as President, the Girl's State Program was started in the Canal Zone.
Frances was an accomplished seamstress, artist and a great story teller. She was on the board of directors and a contributing editor for The Williston Pioneer. As a member of the Williston Log Cabin Quilters, she enjoyed hand smocking, knitting, crocheting and quilting. As a member of The Life Enrichment Center and the Tampa Art League, she loved oil painting, water color and her many artist friends. Her family treasures her legacy and her many beautiful works of art.
Frances was predeceased by her parents William Edward and Edna Owens Taylor; her sister Evelyn; her husband Waldo Bachman Gilley; and her daughter-in-law Kathleen Litton Gilley.
She is survived by her children, Waldo, Anne and Ed Tease, Marilyn, and Jeffrey; her grandchildren, Emily, Terrell Anne and James, Jennifer, Clay, Carl, and Megan; 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service at Orange Hill Cemetery, Williston, Florida on Saturday, December, 8, 2012 at 12 Noon

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