Frances DeLong

Frances Davis DeLong, 93, of Gainesville passed away at home on Friday, June 19, 2015.

She was born in Jacksonville, FL on May 6, 1922, to Thomas Fuller Davis and Lillian Frances Stickney. Her family relocated to Orlando where she lived until college. She graduated from Brenau University, receiving many academic honors while there. She was also a member of Phi Mu Sorority.

While at Brenau she met her future husband, life-time Gainesville resident, Jim DeLong. After his return from Europe in World War II, they were married on November 23, 1945.

Mrs. DeLong was very active in the Gainesville community. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she volunteered her skills arranging beautiful flowers for the sanctuary, many of which she had grown in her gardens. She also volunteered in the church library for many years.

Active for many years in the Laurel Garden Club, a study club, and the Junior Service League, she served as president of each. Mrs. DeLong was adviser to Brenau’s Phi Mu Sorority for 25 years.  In 1971, she was elected national Phi Mu of the year.  She was also honored in 1971 with the Rotary Club’s Woman of the Year.

In addition to being a nationally accredited Flower Show Judge, Mrs. DeLong was an amateur horticulturist. She gave many programs to Garden Club members who were beginning to learn. She was a frequent blue –ribbon winner in the annual local flower shows.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Fuller and Charles. 

She is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, James M. DeLong; her two sons, Dr. Jim DeLong (Pam Estes) of Watkinsville, GA and Dr. Greg DeLong of Gainesville as well as beloved daughter-in-law, Catherine.; five grandchildren, Mark (Melissa) DeLong of Nashville, Dr. Scott (Charlotte) DeLong of Braselton, Laura D. Laibe (Remi) of Mirecourt, France, Allison D. Falcone (David) Jacksonville, FL., Charlie (Stephanie) DeLong of Gainesville; great-granddaughters, Eliora Laibe, Brooklyn Falcone, Madeline DeLong, Ansley DeLong and great-grandsons,  Evan and Cameron DeLong, Simon and Jude Laibe, Thomas Falcone. She is also survived by her dear niece Terry Davis, recently of Gainesville, GA along with several other nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to her wonderful caregiver Tricia.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, June 25, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church Chapel.  The family will also receive friends at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Flower Committee or to the Georgia Wildlife Rescue Association (www.georgiawildlife rescue.org)

Those desiring to leave online condolences for the family of Mrs. DeLong may do so at www.littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30501 is in charge of arrangements.