Frances Coffey Whisnant, lovingly known as “Maw Maw” or “Ed,” passed away on November 14, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born on February 2, 1938—Groundhog Day—in Morganton, North Carolina, to Nanny Mooney Coffey and Roy Vester Coffey. Frances was the oldest of seven children and is survived by her sister, Brenda Polson (Buster); and brother-in-law, Bill.
She graduated from Morganton High School in 1956 and married the love of her life, Worth Sherrill Whisnant Jr., on December 22 of that same year. They shared 53 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2009.
Frances was the devoted mother of three daughters—Debbie, Dianne (Tim), and Sandy (David)—and the proud grandmother of five grandchildren: four granddaughters, Angie (Zeb), Kelly (Matt), Megan, and Lauren (Brandon), and one grandson, Alex. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren whom she cherished deeply: Cason, Garrett, Wyatt, Adelia, Kaeson, Harlow, and Axl.
Throughout her career, Frances worked in several roles, including at Freedom High School and Henredon Furniture, where she dedicated 22 years before retiring in 2000. In recent years, she worked at Debbie’s Embroidery doing alterations, becoming well-loved for her craftsmanship, kindness, and loyal customer relationships.
Frances joyfully served her faith community at Oak Hill United Methodist Church. She volunteered in the nursery, where she rocked and soothed generations of babies, and she was an active member of the Knitwits ministry. Her hands created more than 300 prayer shawls and lap robes, along with countless hats, scarves, and baby items that brought warmth to those in need. Even while she was battling and ultimately beating cancer, she continued to serve others—most memorably knitting a prayer shawl for the doctor who cared for her throughout her treatment.
Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, gardening—growing the best tomatoes and pickling the most delicious okra—traveling, and cherishing time with her family. Whether in the mountains, around her oval dining room table, or gathered under her carport, she filled every space with her constant steadfastness and her warm, steady, and kind presence.
Frances was the matriarch and the glue of her family. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her legacy of love, strength, and faith will carry forward as her family continues raising the next generations.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church. The funeral will follow at noon in the church with Rev. Adam Love and Rev. April Abernethy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In honor of Frances’ lifelong ministry of knitting and crocheting, the family invites anyone who has received a prayer shawl, lap blanket, baby blanket, or any handmade item she created over the years to bring it to the service. These items will be lovingly displayed on the back of the pews as a visual celebration of her hands, her craftsmanship, and the countless lives she comforted and touched through her gifts.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Mrs Whisnant was a Friend to me !I lived on Avery Rd we walked to School some days when it was very cold she would stop and give me a Ride in her Red Station Wagon Sending Condolences to the Family may God Strengthen you in Your Time of loss
My heartfelt condolences to Frances’s family. She was a very special lady to all who crossed paths with her especially me💕🙏🏻
My sincere sympathies to Frances’s family. I always enjoyed talking to her at the beauty shop each week. She was a lovely person that I know will be missed by her family and friends. My prayers are with you all!
Dianne, Debbie & Sandy, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. I remember her from Freedom High School, she always had a smile on her face. Prayers for each of you and your family in the coming days.