Frances Blanton Leatherman

Frances Blanton Leatherman, 94, of Morganton passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Grace Ridge Retirement Community.  She was a lifelong resident of Burke County.  She was born on December 8, 1924 to the late Gaither and Gessie Lowdermilk Blanton.  She always had a gentle smile and a kind word for everyone.

She began her professional career with the News Herald during WWII and became secretary to the publisher.  She continued her career with Broughton Hospital and retired from Western Carolina Center.  Frances was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church and served as church historian.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward Yates Leatherman, Jr.; and siblings, Nell Yount, Ruth Yount, Edna Walters, Helen Wagner, and Glenn Blanton.

Mrs. Leatherman is survived by her daughters, Nancy Chapman (Michael) of Asheville and Joyce Cox (Tucker) of Tryon; grandson, David Chapman (Kimberly) of Knoxville, TN; and great-granddaughter, Elaine Frances Chapman.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to South Mountain Family and Children’s Services or Pleasant View Baptist Church.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.