Frances Avera Gaither

Frances Avera Gaither, 99, of Rocky Mount, NC died peacefully on April 29,2026.  Born in Rocky Mount on June 3, 1926 to Thomas and Fannie Hill Avera, Frances met her late husband, William (Bill) Gassaway Gaither while she was working as a social worker for Nash County.  They married in 1949, moved to Elizabeth City in 1957 and were happily married 42 years.  Frances, as a widow, returned to Rocky Mount in 2002.  She was predeceased by her brother, Tom Avera.

A gifted singer, actress and pianist, Frances was a founding member of the Albemarle Players Theatre in Elizabeth City.  She was cast in the lead role in “Mame”, “Hello Dolly”, “Oklahoma”, “Guys and Dolls” and many other shows.  While she could have pursued a professional acting career like her brother, Frances felt her biggest role was being a wife and mother.

A graduate of St. Mary’s College and UNC Chapel Hill, where she was a Chi Omega, Frances was active at Christ Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City for 45 years, serving in the choir, on the Vestry, as President of ECW and as a Sunday school teacher.  She also served on the Eastern Diocesan Foundation and the Diocesan Outreach Committee.  Frances was co-founder of the Albemarle Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen, raising significant funds to launch those programs.  Frances served on the board of the Albemarle Hospital and the Hospital Auxiliary.  Together with her husband, scholarships were established and continue at the College of the Albemarle and the lead gifts were made to build a new Museum.

Upon moving to Rocky Mount, Frances served on the board of the Wright Center, volunteered at the Down East Radio Reading Service, and was active at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church for 22 years.  A lifelong community volunteer and activist, Frances was passionate about social justice issues, and used her talent, power of persuasion and financial resources to advocate for policies, people and programs which helped others.

Frances had a sharp sense of humor and made friends easily, usually through volunteer work, church or golf.  She worked out at the “Y” until she was 92, and remained trim and stylish to the end.  She loved her neighbors at Cobblestone in Rocky Mount, as well as her lifelong friends in Elizabeth City.  She was the last of her friends to pass, and now rejoins them.  We are grateful for her long, happy, healthy life and her active mind that never left her, and feel blessed to have had her love and light in our lives.

Frances is survived by her daughters, Robin Gaither of Capitola, CA and Leigh Gaither Jones (David) of Charlotte, NC and her grandchildren, William “Gaither” Jones, Elizabeth “Avera” Jones-Leicht (Stephen), and David “Waldron” Jones, and her great-grandson, Joseph “Cayden” Leicht, all of Charlotte.

The family would like to especially thank the loyal caregivers: Yvonne, Lynetric, Eunia, Carmelita, Crystal, Gloria and Dianna, whose dedicated service and care enabled Frances to remain safe and comfortable in her home in recent years as her health declined.  We would also like to thank the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care.

A Memorial Service will be held at The Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM with a private interment in Elizabeth City at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions a charity of your choice, or to Christ Episcopal Church, 200 S. McMorrine Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, or The Church of the Good Shepherd, 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.