Frances Louise Gatlin

Frances Louise Gatlin, 87, passed from this life on November 6, 2023, in Salem, Arkansas where she had been a resident at Southfork River Therapy and Living for several years. Frances was the second daughter of Austin Carpenter and Oleta Harris Carpenter. She is survived by a sister, Helen Carpenter Godwin and brother-in-law, Doris Godwin of Salem; a sister-in-law, Kay Royal Carpenter Rogers and husband Aubry of Jonesboro; a niece, Brenda Carpenter Cavender and husband Randy and family of Fort Smith; Greg Carpenter and wife Dana and family of Nashville, Tennessee. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Neil Gatlin, an infant brother Maie Carpenter, an older brother Paul Carpenter, a younger brother Joe Carpenter.  
 
Frances was born in the town of Evening Shade, Arkansas and lived most of her growing up years on a farm north of that town. Her parents were both teachers and she herself, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Music Education. After teaching a few years, she worked as a flight attendant for Braniff Airlines flying out of Kansas City; that area became her home for most of her adult life. Frances worked as a librarian following her marriage and later as editor for The Daylilly Journal. No longer working in the field, her passion for music never waned. She was an active member of the choir at Gashland Presbyterian Church in North Kansas City. Her particular joy was working with her friends there to perfect Christmas and Easter classical musical performances. She also enjoyed singing with a secular choir that included many friends who shared her love of music. 
 
No service is planned at this time. There will be a small family gathering at the Cave City Cemetery when her ashes are placed with her parents and brother. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.