Frances (Roberts) Horton

Frances Roberts Horton, age 98, of Erwin, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus on Monday, December 15, 2025, while she was surrounded by her family. She is the daughter of the late John Roberts and Dora Buchanan Roberts. Mrs. Horton was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County.

She was formerly employed as a painter at Southern Pottery. Mrs. Horton was a meticulous homemaker who took excellent care of her family. She was a member of Unicoi Freewill Baptist Church.

Mrs. Horton enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading her Bible, and spending time with her family. She adored all her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Horton was affectionately known as mamaw to everyone who met her.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Horton was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-eight years, Frank Taylor Horton on January 02, 2006; grandson-in-law, Roger Allen; two brothers and eight sisters.

She leaves behind to cherish many wonderful memories, her four children: Richard Horton (Martha) of Jonesborough, F.E. “Gene” Horton (Debbie) of Gray, Ruth Gaines (Bill) of Unicoi, and Judy Lacey (Roy) of Erwin; grandchildren: Brian Horton (Amy), Beth Ann Pettit (Drew), Kristen Allen, Eric Horton, and Jennifer Hodges (Steven “Bebo”); great grandchildren: Brady Horton, Connor Horton, Duncan Horton, Cooper Pettit, Tanner Pettit, Ryan and Rhett Allen, Lincoln Hodges; great-great grandchildren: Cade Horton, Ansley Horton, and Easton Horton; special family member, Linda Lacey; several nieces and nephews, especially Millie also survive.

The Horton family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Unicoi Funeral Home. Reverend Jeff Autrey will officiate Mrs. Horton’s 1:00 p.m. funeral service. Music will be provided by Kristen Allen. Interment will follow in the Swingle Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Brian Horton, Eric Horton, Steven “Bebo” Hodges, Lincoln Hodges, Ryan and Rhett Allen.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Mrs. Horton to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Horton family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi is privileged to serve the Horton family. (423) 743-1380.

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