Frances Elizabeth Massengill

Frances Elizabeth Massengill, age 85, of Middleton, Tennessee, passed away on September 21, 2026.

Born on April 28, 1941, at Beauty Hill to the late John W. Allison and Margarete Gage Allison, Frances devoted her life to her most cherished calling: being a loving homemaker. On May 23, 1964, she married the love of her life, Jerry Gilbert Massengill, with whom she built a life filled with warmth, family, and art.

Frances had a passion for beauty in all its forms. She found immense joy in tending to her flowers—a pastime she fondly referred to as "playing in the dirt." She was known to send Jerry out to gather the rich topsoil needed to nourish her garden. Her artistic talents extended far beyond the garden bed: she formally studied floral arrangement, loved painting, restored antique porcelain dolls, and operated a ceramics business where she shared her creative talents by teaching others.

Family gatherings and holidays were where Frances's generous spirit truly shone. Preparation began weeks in advance as she baked tirelessly for those she loved. Her holiday spreads were legendary, requiring dedicated tables for her creations—one full of cakes, another for pies, a third laden with homemade candies, and yet another bountiful table for fresh vegetables.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and six of her siblings.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry Gilbert Massengill; her children, Ronnie Plunk of Hernando, MS, Susan Garcia of McKinney, TX, Jerry Massengill Jr. and wife Della of Walnut, MS, Sandy Burrows and husband Gary of Moscow, TN, James Michael Massengill and wife Robin of Ripley, MS, and Raquel Natalia Massengill of Middleton, TN; her cherished grandchildren, Wesley Plunk, Ronnie Plunk Jr., Amber Plunk, William Cobb, Jessica Cobb, Nathaniel Cobb, Felecia Reid, Alyssa Adcox, and Zachary Gage Burrows; and her sisters, Mable and Dorothy. She also leaves behind the legacy of 11 great grandchildren.

Frances leaves behind a rich legacy of love, creativity, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.