Frances Carolyn Thorpe

Frances Carolyn Benson Thorpe, 93, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Abingdon, Virginia.

Born on March 27, 1933, Frances will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. She found joy in the simple and lasting pleasures of home and family life, and especially loved canning, gardening, and planting flowers. Those who knew her will remember the care she gave to the people she loved and the warmth she brought to her family through the years.  Of strong Christian Faith, She attended Fleenor Memorial Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Calvin Thorpe; her sons, Douglas Eugene Thorpe and Terry Calvin Thorpe; her daughter, Sharon Matthews; her father, Eugene Berry Benson; her mother, Carlotta Olivia Weaver; her brothers, Paul Benson and Eugene “Junior” Benson; and her son-in-law, Mike Gonzales.

Frances is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Springer and Kathy Gonzalez; her brother, Bobby Benson, and his wife, Marsha; her son-in-law, Tim Matthews; and her daughter-in-law, Alva Giblin and husband James. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Dawn and husband Alan Morris, Shanna and husband Ryan Williams, Chris Gonzales, and Angela Gonzales; and her great-grandchildren, Brinley Morris, Ryker Williams, and Avery Williams. She is also survived by her loyal companion, Winkie, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service – Main Street Chapel, 427 E Main St, Abingdon, Virginia. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the chapel with Rev. Roger Ball and Pastor Mike Dancer officiating. Those wishing to view the service from home may do so by visiting the following link 10 minutes prior to service time.   https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=8b2d63c2-ac47-46a8-ac65-214d7f070eb4  

A private interment will be held at a later date in Fairfax Memorial Park in Fairfax, VA.  Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Thorpe, Bub Thorpe, Sunny Benson, Ricky Benson, Larry Benson, Robert Benson, Tim Matthews, James Giblin, Chris Gonzales, Alan Morris, and Ryan Williams.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Frances Carolyn Benson Thorpe is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.