Frances "Fran" Ellen (Johnson) Thomas

Frances “Fran” Johnson Thomas, age 91, of the Deep River Community, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at her home, with her family by her side.

She was born in Lee County on March 18, 1934 to the late Johnnie Lynville Johnson and Stella Frances (Johnson) Johnson.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Theodore “Ted” Landon Thomas and brother Bennie Lynn Johnson. 

Fran graduated from Deep River School and began a long and successful business career starting with Koury Company.  She worked over 33 years as the Administrative Assistant to the President of Heins Telephone Company.  She was a past-president of the Professional Secretary Association.  Fran was an active member of Flat Springs Baptist Church, until her health declined.  She served as a choir member, Secretary of the Church Finance Committee and Joy Sunday School Class. She sang many years in the Ladies Trio of Flat Springs Baptist Church, along side Judith Nance and Linda Hunt.

Fran cherished her family and enjoyed vacationing at her beach house.  She took pride in cooking homemade meals for her family and celebrating life’s events.  Everyone will miss her kindness, gentle spirit and friendships.

She is survived by her sons James Garry Ammons (Linda), Daryl Lynn Ammons (Terry); brother Larry Jackson Johnson; grandchildren Michelle Rae Cotten, Jami Ammons Roland (Will), Morgan Ammons Watson (Paul), Jonathan Logan Ammons (Tiffany), Jordan Ammons Kent (Peter), great-grandchildren Maci Landon Pomeranz, Graeme Thomas Roland, William Frank “L.B.” Roland, III, Crenden Fletcher Watson, Lawson James Ammons, Sawyer Boone Ammons, Georgia Logan Ammons, Elizabeth Katherine Kent and Wallis Cruz Kent.

A funeral service will be held at Flat Springs Baptist Church on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Tim Burriss and Dr. Gary McCollough officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends, in the church fellowship hall, following the service and other times at Fran’s home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Flat Springs Baptist Church, 4148 Deep River Road, Sanford, NC 27330 or Life Springs Church Dream Center, 3215 Keller-Andrews Road, Sanford, NC 27330.

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