Frances Ellen Witten

Frances Ellen Brooks Witten, 83, of Red Cross Street, Gary, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the Westwood Center in Bluefield, VA. Born on January 3, 1932 in Wyoming County, she was a daughter of the late Lonnie Franklin and Mary Hall Brooks. She had been a resident of Gary for 50 years and was a charter member of the Cooper Memorial Baptist Church in Pineville. She was a graduate of Pineville High School and Concord College and received her Master’s Degree from Marshall University. She was a retired school teacher from Gary High School and then continued working as a food service supervisor, having worked for McDowell County Board of Education for 35 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She and her husband were the former owner and operators of the Gearing & Witten Funeral Home in Welch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick (Pat) Witten; and one brother, Lloyd Franklin Brooks. Survivors include: Brother: William L. “Bill” Brooks and Helen of Manassas, VA Several nieces and nephews: L. Fred Brooks and fiancée Shannon of Moorefield Lloyd Franklin Brooks of Pineville, WV William “Bill” Brooks, Jr. and wife Donna of Huntingtown, MD Susan Burke and husband Desmond of Falls Church, VA 4 grand nieces and nephews Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Rev. James Milam officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell with Rev. James Milam officiating. Fred Brooks, Bill Brooks, Ian Brooks, Seth Brooks, Desmond Burke and Tim Witten will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call on Thursday from 11:00-1:00 at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.