Frances J. Rakestraw

November 9, 1945 - November 19, 2020

Frances LaJune Jones Rakestraw was born on November 9, 1945 in Austell, GA to the late George Columbus "Casey" and Flora Agnes Shipp Jones. She passed away peacefully on November 19, 2020. Frances was born the youngest of ten children. She was preceded in death by her parents, numerous siblings, and her son, Darren Rakestraw. She is survived by her daughter, Carmen Nance (David) and her two grandchildren Nicholas and Evan Nance. Family and friends were very important to Frances and she deeply loved them all. She will forever be loved and missed by so many whose lives she has touched. Frances was a native of Paulding County. She graduated Dallas High School in 1963. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University in 1994. Frances worked as a legal secretary for many years. She eventually left the legal field and went to work at United Community Bank serving in various capacities including a Real Estate Administrator, Construction Loan Officer, Branch Manager, and a Vice President. From the banking field, Frances transitioned to the school system and worked as a Bookkeeper initially at Hiram High School and then later with Paulding County Board of Education (Central Office) where she eventually retired. No matter where she worked, Frances was a hard worker, demonstrated a strong work ethic, and dedicated herself to doing a good job and putting forth her best. She made some very special friendships with many that she worked with through the years and these close friendships remained near and dear to her heart. Frances was an active member of her community and served many years in ABWA and Cobb Rotary Club. She also worshiped at and was an active member of Hiram United Methodist Church for 50+ years. She was a woman of strong faith. Frances had a courageous battle with Leukemia that began in 2019. After enduring over a year of treatment, she went to be with the Lord. Her lifelong faith was strong until the very end. Frances loved to read, travel, spend time with family and friends, attend concerts and plays, and simply sit and relax on her back deck watching the birds or reading a good book. She had a great sense of humor and loved to bring laughter and joy to others. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to Hiram United Methodist Church (checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 97; Hiram, GA 30141) or International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention designated for the ministry of Matthew and Carey Bandy (IMB; 3806 Monument Ave; Richmond, VA 23230) in loving memory of Ms. Frances Rakestraw. The body will be cremated. West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta, GA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends will receive guests on Saturday November 28th at 2pm at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel (2480 Macland Road; Marietta, GA 30064) with a memorial service immediately following at 3:00pm. To leave online condolences for the family, please feel free to visit www.westcobbfuneralhome.com .