of Little Rock, AR
January 28, 1947 - April 18, 2025
Ida Frances ("Fran") Young Spears of Little Rock, AR passed away at her residence at The Blake Chenal Valley on Friday, April 18, 2025, after living with Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer for the last thirteen years.
She was born January 28, 1947 in Ripley, MS to the late William Tandy Young and Doris (Coleman) Young Gilbert. She graduated from Ruston (LA) High School and earned a B.S. in Business Education from Louisiana Tech University. She worked as an administrative assistant much of her career, retiring from Mohawk Industries in Dallas, TX in 2012 after her cancer diagnosis. She enjoyed tending to her plants, taking care of every "fur baby" she had through her life, watching the Razorbacks and the Cowboys and playing card games. Before her illness, she enjoyed working out. Physical Therapy replaced the gym in her later years and while she may have complained, she really did love it. Fran was a member of Pinnacle Church of Christ and streamed every service online once she was no longer physically able to attend. She was a kind and sweet person to everyone she met.
Fran's devoted husband of 54 years, Donny Spears, preceded her in death. She is also predeceased by her parents; her step-father, O.H. Gilbert and her special aunt, Ethel Coleman.
Fran is survived by her daughter, Amy Spears-Schally and her son-in-law, Dr. Gordon Schally of New Orleans, LA; one brother, Mike Young (Phyllis) of Shreveport, LA; great-niece, Ashley Young Martin (Matt) and great-nephew Will Martin of Vienna, VA; and brothers-in-law, Jerry (Donna) Spears of Little Rock and Paul (Gwenette) Spears of Ruston, LA.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mariann Harrington and her entire team at CARTI for providing excellent and compassionate care to Fran over the years and being a source of support to Donny and then Amy as her caretakers.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Roller Chenal in Little Rock. A graveside service will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverwood Memorial Gardens in Maumelle.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pinnacle Church of Christ, 1 Shackleford Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211 or any charity of your choice
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3 Condolence(s)
Audrey Powell
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Fran was such a wonderful and beautiful person and had such a gracious spirit. She sat at the table next to me at the Blake and was such a sweet personality. I know she will be missed by all who knew her. My prayers and thoughts are with all her family.
John & Valerie Phillips
Monday, April 21, 2025
We are so sorry for the loss of our dear sister Fran. We were privileged to have her as a member of the Pinnacle Church Of Christ and have been inspired by her gentle, caring demeanor, even during the difficult days of her life. She was a true Christian and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. May God bless and keep you is our prayer.
Judy Dover
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.