Frances Gonda

Frances Raynor Gonda, 72, of Bladenboro went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 26, 2017. She is preceded in death by her parents Floyd Wellington and Mary Eliza Raynor, her husband Thomas M. Gonda Sr., three brothers: Frank, David, and John Raynor and two sisters, Margie Wright and Eunice Smith. Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Thomas M. Gonda Jr. and wife Robyn of Huntersville, Brad Gonda and wife Carla of Columbia, SC; two brothers Roscoe Raynor and wife Kitty of Dublin; Edward Raynor and wife Jo Ann of Newborn, GA; two sisters: Lib Guthrie and husband Richard of Burlington; Shelby Warwick and husband Lyndon of Grays Creek; four grandchildren: Mary Elizabeth Gonda, Zachary Gonda, William Hunter Neely-Gonda and Emma Leigh Neely-Gonda, and four step-grandchildren: Korbin, Harmony, Ethan, and Aaron.

Frances, also known as "Paddlefoot," to her siblings and cousins, had a very giving heart. Her loving spirit and testimony of how prayer works often gave a blessing to others when they came for a visit. She always felt it was better to give than to receive. Frances loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. Frances also loved her church family and loved participating in the church choir. She often enjoyed attending gospel singings with her siblings. Among her other past times, Frances liked to read, do crossword puzzles and spend time with her grandchildren.

Open viewing will be from 2-3 pm on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown followed by a memorial service at 3 pm officiated by Rev. Randy Andrews and Rev. Darin Andrews. The family will receive friends immediately following the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Open Door Ministries, 2704 E. Broad St., Elizabethtown, NC 28337 or Richardson Missionary Baptist Church, 9842 Center Rd, Bladenboro, NC 28320.