Obituary of Frances Miller Roberts

Frances M. Roberts, 102, died peacefully in her sleep Thursday, December 17, at Thrive at Brow Wood. She was born in Atlanta on October 16, 1918 to William H. and Melissa Williams Miller. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Fairmont, West Virginia, the place she always called home. She was the youngest of four children, the others, Ann Sullivan, William Miller, Jr. and Martha Ullom, predeceasing her . Fran married John R. Hill in January 1938. In the summer of 1944, when the concept of health insurance was just emerging, they moved to Chattanooga, where Mr. Hill was to start a new venture called The Erlanger Plan which became Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Tennessee. She lost John in 1969 to cancer. Fran had a second marriage to Dr. Gilbert M. Roberts, Jr. from 1973 until his death in 1989. Fran will be remembered for her wonderfully positive attitude, her strong friendships, and her interest in others. She devoted her life to raising two children, creating a welcoming home, and giving generously of her time, talent, and treasure to those in her circle and to her beloved Episcopal Church, most especially the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mountain, TN. There she served as president of the Episcopal Church Women, and for many years was a devoted member of the altar guild and flower guild. Well into her late 80's, she volunteered for the outreach/stewardship committee as a driver of “old people” (usually 10 to 20 years younger than she) to the doctor and hospital. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary of any of her extended family. Into her 90's she served dinner every Sunday to any family members who might be in town. She certainly aged slowly and gracefully. Her son proudly told his friends that she may have been plagued with poor hearing and vision, but she always had at least 90% of her intellect to the day she died. She is survived by her son, Dr. John Hill (Anne) of Memphis, TN and daughter, Toni McGauley (Dr. Jack) of Chattanooga, grandchildren, Dr. David Hill, of Wilmington, NC, Christopher Robinson and Melissa Brown, both of Lookout Mt., and Elizabeth Anne Hill Edlund of Phoenix, AZ. Great grandchildren are Wilder, Alex and Miller Robinson of Lookout Mtn., Abby, Sellers and Julian Hill, of Wilmington, NC, and Wilson and Elsie Edlund of Phoenix. Added to these were her stepchildren: Gilbert M. Roberts III, Chattanooga: Janelle Roberts Walker, Canton, GA, and Bill Roberts, Spring City, TN. Her step daughter Judy Roberts Baker predeceased her. There were also several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family is so appreciative of the loving care she received over the last several years, and especially in this year of COVID, from her caregiver and friend, Kristy Sharp, known to some in the family as “St. Kristy.” In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 211 Franklin Rd., Lookout Mtn., TN 37350, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at a later time. Due to the current pandemic, the burial service will be private. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Please share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com