Emma Frances “Fran” Terrell, 87, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.
Fran was born on April 3, 1939, in Conyers, Georgia, to James Henry Shaw and Jessie Mae Alexander Shaw. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Ruth Shaw Jenkins Bradley, Lucille Shaw Lewis, Mary Shaw Kirkpatrick Rolls, and Peggy Shaw McWilliams; and her brothers, Henry Eugene Shaw (“Gene”) and Joseph Thomas Shaw (“Joe”). She is survived by her sister, Linda Shaw Reagin of Georgia.
A devoted Christian, Fran drew strength and purpose from a faith that guided every part of her life. Rooted in the Southern Baptist tradition, she expressed that faith through quiet service, steadfast love, and a lifelong commitment to caring for others.
Fran devoted her professional life to nursing, a calling that reflected her compassion, skill, and strength. After obtaining her baccalaureate in Nursing from Tift College in Atlanta, she served for many years at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia where she founded the hospital’s IV Therapy Team and served as its coordinator. Later, after earning her Master’s Degree in Nursing, Fran was further recognized and respected for her clinical expertise, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to patient care. Through her work, she touched countless lives and earned the admiration of colleagues, patients, and families alike.
As meaningful as nursing was to Fran, her family remained the center of her heart. Even after long and demanding days at the hospital, she made it a priority to gather her family around the dinner table each evening. Cooking may not have been her favorite pastime, but caring for the people she loved was among her greatest joys.
In quieter moments, Fran found joy in gardening and reading. She loved cultivating beauty in her yard and could often be found with a good book in hand. Her quiet strength, practical wisdom, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Fran’s greatest legacy is the family she cherished so deeply. She is survived by her children, Charles Jeffrey Terrell and his wife, DeAnne Jones Terrell; Michelle Terrell House and her husband, James David House; Jennifer Terrell Littlefield and her husband, Clay Andrew Littlefield.
She was also blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her great joy: Natalie Terrell Martin and her husband Neal, and their children, Henry, Corynne, Mary Grace, and Hayes; Nathan Terrell and his wife, Elizabeth, and their son, Gaines; Gigi Bell Hammond and her husband Howell, and their children, Whit and Ella Kate; Joshua House and his wife, Cara, and their son, Kylan; Jacob House; Michelle and David’s adopted children, Jacob House II and Ben House; Jesse House and his wife, Kylee, and their children, Paislee, Jase, and Logan; John Alexander (“Jack”) Littlefield; and Campbell Elizabeth Littlefield.
Fran leaves behind a legacy woven from faith, family, service, and love. She cared deeply, gave generously, and lived with a quiet strength that steadied those around her. Her life will continue to speak through the family she cherished, the patients she comforted, the friends she encouraged, and the countless small acts of kindness that reflected the heart of who she was.
A Graveside service celebrating Fran’s life will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frans’s name to The Salvation Army.
T
he family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and condolences through the funeral home’s online guestbook.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:23
