Mrs. Frances Ross Johnson, age 87 of Bedford transitioned peacefully at her residence on Thursday, May 12, 2022. She was born on January 18, 1935 to the late Corrine Richie and Fred Otey Sr. She was also preceded in death by: her aunt and uncle who raised her from an early age, Geneva Brown and Rudolph Brown; her loving husband, Jennis "Little Man" Johnson; a brother, Fred Otey Jr; four nephews: Douglas Otey, Fred Otey III, Travis Otey and Michael Wright; sister-in-law, Irene Saunders and brothers-in-law: Fletcher Johnson, Irving Kasey and David "Red" Parker Sr.

Frances joined Oakmulgee Baptist Church at an early age. She was educated in Bedford County School System and attended Bedford Training School. Then, Frances moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she began her career of over thirty-five years at Riches Department Store. She was formerly married to Whitfield Ross. While in Atlanta, GA she attended Smith Chapel for twenty-five years. In 1997, Frances, was united in holy matrimony to her devoted husband Jennis "Little Man" Johnson. After she retired, they moved back to Bedford County. She was then employed at Woodhaven Nursing Home for six years and the Adult Day Center for three years. Frances and her husband attended Longwood Avenue Baptist Church.

Frances' favorite past-times were cooking, traveling, arts and crafts, telling jokes and listening to gospel music/Christian services. Frances loved to dress in her elegant attire, which she would accessorize with some gorgeous statement pieces and shoes. She was a caring, compassionate and selfless person who was always worried about the wellbeing of others. She will be dearly missed by those who loved her. Keeping in mind that God loved her best.

Frances is survived by: her brother, Russell Otey (Shirley); nieces: Gina Otey, Lorita Gail Otey, Gloria Turner and Keisha Otey Clay (David); nephews, Frederick Otey and Danny Wright (Kristy); sisters-in-law: Mary Otey, Betty Parker, Julia Kasey, Mary Jennings (Rufus) and Josephine Jones; brother-in-law, Rudolph Johnson (Bessie); longtime friends from Atlanta: Bonnie King and Aretha White; long term caregiver, Carolyn Johnson-Miller; caregivers, Emma Hicks, Pam Craighead and Cynthia Johnson; numerous cousins, other relatives and friends.

Safe in God's Keeping

I am home in Heaven dear ones,

Oh! so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

In this Everlasting Light.

All the pain and grief are over,

Every restless yearning past;

I am now at peace forever.

Safely home in Heaven at last.

Dear ones, do not grieve so sorely,

For I love you dearly still;

Try to look beyond earth's shadows,

Pray to trust Our Father's Will.

When your work is all completed

He will gently call you Home.

Oh! the rapture of that meeting!

Oh! the joy to see you come!