Frances Louise (McGalliard) Stone of Pageland, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at the age of 97.

Services will be held from the graveside at 11:00am on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Gaston memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054. There will not be a visitation, however, the family encourages anyone who would like to visit with them to come by their home. 

Born on October 3, 1929, in Hickory, North Carolina, Frances was the beloved daughter of the late Earl Junior McGalliard Sr. and the late Grace Louise (Pope) McGalliard. As the middle child in her family, she treasured her upbringing in the historic mill town of Cramerton, North Carolina. The close-knit community and cherished memories of her childhood shaped her character and remained a source of joy and comfort throughout her life.

On March 15, 1950, Frances married the love of her life, Marshall Edward Stone. Together they built a life in Gastonia, North Carolina centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their marriage was blessed with their greatest pride and joy, their daughter, Marsha Suzanne (Stone) Scearce. Frances and Marshall shared many years of devotion, partnership, and family memories until his passing. Their enduring love and commitment served as an example to all who knew them.

Frances dedicated part of her professional life to working as a laboratory technician with Burlington Mills, where her attention to detail was greatly appreciated. Outside of her career, she embraced life with creativity, curiosity, and a love for adventure. She enjoyed traveling and especially cherished spending time in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, where she could relax and enjoy the beauty of the coast.

Frances found joy in many hobbies, including sewing, cross-stitching, and creating handmade cards for family and friends. She was also passionate about genealogy and spent countless hours researching and tracing her family's history, preserving stories and connections for future generations. Her curiosity about the past and dedication to family heritage provided a lasting legacy that will be treasured by those who follow in her footsteps.

A woman of deep faith, Frances remained actively involved in her church and faith community throughout her life. Her faith provided strength, guidance, and comfort, and was a cornerstone of her character. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, honoring her family's heritage and the values of service, patriotism, and dedication.

Later in life, Frances earned the title she cherished most: "Grandmother." Affectionately known by that name to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she embraced every opportunity to love, encourage, and support her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with those she loved and watching her family grow through the generations.

Grandmother was especially cherished by her beloved granddaughter, Hillary Suyat, and her husband, Rudy B. Suyat Sr. She took immense pride in her treasured great-grandchildren, Cody Haigler, Triston Haigler, Allyson Suyat, and Rudy Suyat Jr. Also left to cherish her memory is her dear friend, Rebecca Wetzel. The love she shared with her family and friends will remain a lasting legacy to all who knew her.

Frances will be remembered for her kind heart, steadfast faith, strength, and dedication to those she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and treasured memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Smith Graves Post 92 of Pageland at PO Box 545, Pageland, SC 29728.

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear."

Holland Funeral Service Pageland is serving the Stone family.