Dora Frances Short, 70, of Spotsylvania, passed on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Mary Washington Hospital after having won a 12 year battle against Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Her family was at her side.
Frances (Frankie as many of her friends knew her) was born on April 1, 1941 in Baileysville, WV, the daughter of the late Troy Greenway and Virginia Mae (Craft) Vance. She often spoke fondly of how the difficulties of growing up in that era at Cub Creek WV were offset by the love and support of her sisters, brothers and nieces that were as sisters to her. The foundation of her belief in the importance of family was based on their support. She was baptized at the Oceana First Church of God and is a friend of the Clear fork Valley Church of God, in WV. She was an avid supporter of the Women in the Military Memorial in Washington DC and to the American Indian Museum in Washington DC. Frances spent her time on various bowling leagues over the years but more recently in Fredericksburg where she and her friends enjoyed bowling. She enjoyed it for decades and became quite skilled at, having placed in tournaments regularly. Frances also began painting in the early 80's as a creative outlet and evolved from student to artist over the last thirty years of her life. Her paintings and other art were personal endeavors that she rarely showed off. She has left behind a vast collection, however, for those of us for whom she cared and cared for her. Other artistic endeavors that she enjoyed include sewing, ceramics, gardening, cross-stitching and cooking for her family. Most importantly to her, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose love, leadership and impact will be felt for generations to come. She loved her family above all else and dedicated her life to their well being.
Mrs. Short is survived by her husband, Chuck, of over 50 years. Other survivors are her children and spouses; Bradley and Joann Short of Fredericksburg, Alicia and Hamid Beladi-Mosavi of Bebehan Iran, Kathleen Short of Blacksburg VA, Craig and Erica Short of Buena Vista VA. She is also survived by three brothers and their wives; Oakey and Mildred Vance of Orange, Riley and Joyce Vance of Baileysville, WV and Clarence (Shorty) Vance of Baileysville, WV, her two sisters and husband; Grace Stewart of Richmond, WV, Geraldine and Gene New, of Brenton, WV. Frances also has 12 grandchildren: Charles, Shabnam, Hamid, Farid, Omid and Navid Belad-Mosavi, Michael and Wesley Blackburn, Nicolas Strasser, Sidney, Casey and Addison Short; five great-grandchildren; Nathan, Ethan, Emily, Cadence and Cody Blackburn and by a host of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Laura Lester and brothers Henry, Roby and Anderson Vance.
The family will receive friends 1:00 -4:00 pm Sunday July 17, 2011 at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, Spotsylvania VA. She will then be taken to Clear fork Valley, WV where funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Monday July 18, 2011 at the Clear fork Valley Church of God after which interment at the Vern and Mary Short Family Cemetery, Clear fork, WV.
Online condolences may be made at laurelhillfuneralhome.com and staffordfamilyfuneralhome.com