Frances Aker, 98, of Colora, Maryland, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 1, 1926, in Pulaski, Virginia, Frances was the beloved daughter of the late Cabble and Iva (née Porter) Bralley. She carried with her the strong values and resilient spirit instilled by her Appalachian roots throughout her long and meaningful life.

Frances built a successful career as an Office Manager for The Hartford Insurance Company, where she was known for her meticulous attention to detail, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. Her strong work ethic and organizational skills earned the admiration of her colleagues and left a lasting impression on those she mentored.

Outside of work, Frances embraced the quiet joys of everyday life. She served as a Sunday School Teacher at Eutaw Methodist Church in Baltimore. She moved to Stuart’s Draft VA and was baptized at The First Baptist Church in Stanton VA where she served until she moved back to MD in 2001. She was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, a devoted reader of romance novels, and rarely missed a chance to enjoy a heartwarming romantic comedy. A lifelong Elvis Presley fan, she found comfort and joy in his music.

Those who knew Frances best will remember her as strong-willed, determined, and always focused on the task at hand—whether it was solving the Sunday crossword or organizing a family gathering. But above all else, Frances treasured her role as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, with whom she shared laughter, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and a sister, all of whom she held dear in memory.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience through her devoted children: Herbert Aker, Jr. and his wife Janet, and James Lowman and his wife Kathleen. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jay Lowman (Sabrina), Kelley Lowman (Jenn), Sean Lowman, Neil Lowman (Crissy), and Daniel Aker (Laura); her great-grandchildren: Landon Aker, Lillian Aker, Dylan Lowman, Olivia Lowman, Cassidy Lowman, Skylar Lowman, George Singer, Zachery Singer, Brendan Singer, Kyle Copenhaver, Ricky Vetter, Ryan Vetter (Morgan), and Ethan Pritchard; and seven precious great-great-grandchildren who will grow up hearing stories of her love, strength, and kindness.

A celebration of Frances’ life will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, Maryland. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 10:00 AM to share memories and offer support. A private interment for family will follow at Parkwood Cemetery.

Frances Aker’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be remembered not just for the life she lived, but for the love she gave so freely.