Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Frances Thrasher

Frances Thrasher, 95, of Prescott died Wednesday, June 17, 1998, after a three-year battle with cancer.

Miss Thrasher was born September 1, 1902, the daughter of the late Thomas Cloud Thrasher and Willie Mae Cocke Thrasher. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Billy Bob and Thomas Cox Thrasher of Prescott. Miss Thrasher joined the fellowship of First Baptist Church in Prescott in 1914, making her the longest standing member in the church. She was a faithful teacher of the women's Carrie Scott Sunday school for many years and an active participant until the last two years.

In 1923, Miss Thrasher graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a bachelor of science in education, returning a few years later to earn a master's degree. During her years there, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and since graduating served as president of the international organization of the Key Women Educators.

For her first teaching position, Miss Thrasher returned to Prescott while Oscar Carbell was superintendent of schools. She then taught in Texarkana for two years and at Arkansas Tech in Russellville for a year. For the next ten years, she served as school principal in Graysonia.

In 1937, Miss Thrasher took a respite from teaching and worked as reception/secretary for Dr. W.M. Blackshare in Hot Springs.

Returning to Prescott in 1943, she taught American history for two years. When J. Ed Smith became superintendent, Miss Thrasher was named high school counselor, where she continued to instill in the youth of Prescott a desire to attain a higher education and to successfully accomplish greater goals in life.

During her years as an educator, Miss Thrasher served as an active member in both the Arkansas and National Education Association; in the Arkansas and American Vocational Association; and in the Arkansas and American School Counselors Associations. Since her retirement, she had participated as a member of the Nevada County Retired Teachers Association as well as the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association.

In 1928, she was accepted as a member in the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving in various offices of that organization.

This gracious lady was like a bright light to Prescott and its people. In 1997, she was honored by the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce in receiving the Treasure of Gold Award, a tribute of which she was most proud. She gave generously of herself to her community, students and friends. It was her purpose to challenge students, advising and guiding them towards greater potential. To friends, she gave loyalty, integrity and honesty. Her thoughtful gestures and acts of kindness were legion. A light has gone out in Prescott.

She is survived by a family of close friends and three nieces, Thomasina Thrasher Underwood and Patricia Thrasher Enersa, both of San Diego, Calif., and Marilyn Thrasher Hay of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; 17 great nieces and nephews; and 30 great great nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were Saturday, June 20, at DeAnn Cemetery in Prescott under the direction of Shackelford Funeral Home of Prescott.