Mary Frances Simmons McTier died June 30, 2009 in the Appling Hospital Pavilion. Frances was born in Appling County to the late Will Robert and Catherine Simmons on March 27, 1937. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and joined the First African Baptist Church where she was very active especially in the Senior and Mass Choir for years and vice president of FAB Senior Citizen’s Ministry. Ms. McTier was also a member of the Interdenominational Choir during its existence.

She attended and graduated from the public schools of Appling County. Frances attended Savannah State College to further her education. She retired from the Appling County Board of Education as a paraprofessional after 30 years of service. She loved children so much she began substituting after retirement. Frances was joined in Holy matrimony to the late Percival (Pete) McTier, and to this union one son was born.

She is survived by a son, Clifford Earl McTier of Baxley; step-daughter, Carol Jean (Tony) Roberts of Atlanta; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Louella McTier of Baxley; sister, Doris Jean (William) CoPenny of Brooklyn, NY; brother, Fredrick (Annette) Garnett of Baxley; sisters-in-law, Rebecca Ogden, Alberta Ryals, Nadeen Sumner, Martha Jean Crosby, Dr. Juanita (Hovis) Nails-James, all of Baxley, Laura Jean Simmons of Rochester, NY and Gertrude (Sam) Akinleye of Upper Marlboro, MD; brothers-in-law, James (Patricia) McTier, John McTier, both of Baxley, Adel (Ozella) McTier of Buffalo, NY, Harry (Yvette) Brookins of Brooklyn, NY and Sampson (Mary) Brookins of Durham, NC; a very special and devoted friend, Cleve Roberson of Baxley; and a large number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Ms. Mary Frances McTier were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 7 at First African Baptist Church with Bishop Lucious Rogers presiding. The Rev. J. M. Blair gave the eulogy. Interment followed in Rachel Cemetery in Baxley.

Active pallbearers were Chandler Byrd, Vernon Byrd, Wilma McTier, Alvin Byrd, Kenny Byrd, Stanford Byrd, Herbert Byrd and Randy Byrd.

Honorary pallbearers were First African Baptist Church Deacons and Deaconesses, staff of the Pavilion and staff of Appling County Board of Education.

Musical selections were rendered by the Edwards Family and choir.

Brown’s Funeral Home, 26 North Side Street, Baxley was in charge of arrangements.