Frances Atkins Mason died on December 29, 2018.  She is survived by nieces Cynthia Bailey, Marsha Lambert (Thomas), Carol Bryant, and Barbara Miller (Tom); a nephew Thomas Bryant (Martha); great nieces Emma Bryant, Bailey Brooks (Zachary), and Paige Lambert; numerous other great nieces and great nephews; and dear friend Wendy Anderson Bryant.

She was preceded in death by her husband Carroll Wray Mason, her parents Carrie Vaughan and James Monroe Atkins, her brother James Emmett Atkins, and her sister Nancy Atkins Bailey.

Frances graduated from Radford University, earned a master's degree from The Pennsylvania State University, and did doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.  She served for many years on the faculty of Radford University.

She was an active member of and faithful worshiper at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Galax, Virginia, serving in many capacities.  Frances co-chaired the Building Committee and planned and carried out that plan for the Shepherd's Retreat.
She served multiple terms on the Vestry Council and served on the Call Committee.

The family is grateful for health care providers in Grayson and Carroll Counties and the City of Galax and for the support of Frances' friends and neighbors.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 4, 2019, at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 9441 Grayson Parkway in Galax.  A light luncheon commencing at 11:30 am will precede the service.  Interment at Summerfield United Methodist Church, 4679 Carsonville Road in Fries will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 9441 Grayson Parkway, Galax, Virginia 24333.

The Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence is serving the family.