Frances Virginia Garrison Mabe

Frances Virginia Garrison Mabe, 90, of Salem Road, Morganton, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, Aug. 22, at UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton after a period of declining health. Born on Jan. 29, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Wilson McDowell Garrison and Ennie Vie Carswell Garrison. She was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church.

Frances was born and raised in Morganton and graduated from Salem High School. Her working years included employment with the former Carolina Shoe, many years as the switchboard operator at Grace Hospital, and later as the receptionist at Grace Ridge, from which she retired.

Affectionately known as “Grandmuvvy” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren — a name she chose for herself, just as unique as she was — Frances delighted in life’s simple joys. She loved shopping for antiques and dishes, cooking southern meals, watching black and white movies and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. In recent years, she was especially blessed to enjoy quality time at home with her great-grandson, Michael.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Lafollette Mabe Jr.; brothers, Clyde William Smith, Paul Augusta Smith, Wilson Thomas Garrison, and Hardie Kenneth Garrison; sisters, Annabell Smith Ross, Cleo Smith Dale, and Minnie Pearl Smith Ross; her son, Shawn Frances Mabe; and her daughter, Sandi Ann Mabe Walters.

Surviving are her sons, Steve Mabe (Julia) and Scotty Mabe (Mitzi); grandchildren, Heather Hensley, Dalton Walters (Macy), Amber Pendley, Lindsi McNeely (Brigham), Daniel Mabe, Sarah Mabe, Christina Carpenter (Taylor), and Katie Mabe; great-grandchildren, Mariya Burnette, Jayden Pendley, Noah Anderson, Marley Johnson, Nyjavious Hensley, Zahiem Platt, Elijah Anderson, Kellan Mabe, Bentley Stafford, Carter Stafford, Michael Carthan Jr., Dontavious Platt, Tucker Carpenter, Dominic McNeely, and Arlo Carpenter; a daughter-in-law, Janet Mabe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family is especially grateful to Steve and Julia, whose years of devoted live-in care allowed Frances to remain in the comfort of her home and live out her days surrounded by the love and familiarity she cherished.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.