Frances Nelson Faxon

PALERMO – Frances Nelson Flye Faxon, 88, of Palermo, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on November 18, 1936, in Palermo, the daughter of Ruby Nelson Elliott and Maynard Nelson, and stepdaughter of Henry “Al” Elliott.

On March 17, 1956, she married Cecil Flye, and together they raised four daughters and a foster son in their Palermo home.

Frances worked 26 years as a cook at Erskine Academy alongside her sister, Ann Childs, and often said these were some of the happiest years of her life. Later, she enjoyed traveling with her second husband, Robert Faxon, visiting all 50 states, and exploring Europe with her lifelong friend, Linda Ayer. She also loved reading, dining out, cooking, a bit of gambling at the casinos, playing Beano with her friend Bonnie Studley, and, mostly, spending time with family.

In her final days, Frances was uplifted and comforted by the steady stream of friends and family who came to visit her in the hospital, as well as the many prayers and loving thoughts sent to her. Their gift of love and support gave her peace and strength, helping her leave this world surrounded by the same love and caring she had given so freely throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughters Darlene Pietz (Ron), Diane Dow (Berry), Dorene Gerrish (Tom), and Dena McQuarrie (Mike); her son Blake Brown (Kim); her brother Forest “Chug” Nelson (Marilyn); her stepchildren Lee Faxon (Wendy), Vonda Faxon, Doug Faxon (Sharon), and Albert Faxon (Sharon); 12 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law Stevie Childs; and several nieces and nephews.

Frances was predeceased by her parents, her stepfather, her brothers Dana, James, and Barry Nelson; her sister Ann Childs; and her husbands Cecil Flye and Robert Faxon.

Frances will be remembered for her love, strength, and devotion to family, which touched all who knew her. In her memory, donations may be made to Erskine Academy, South China.

A service celebrating Frances’s life will be held at Palermo Christian Church on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at 11 a.m.