Frances Guess

Frances Summerville Guess passed away on February 23, 2018 at her home in Decatur, Georgia. Frances was born on May 30, 1931 in Aliceville, Alabama to the late William Chalmers Summerville, a distinguished World War I veteran and owner of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Aliceville and Laurie Cunningham Summerville, a high school math teacher, before her marriage to Mr. Summerville. Frances was a graduate of Aliceville High School where she was a Senior Superlative, a member of the National Honor Society and engaged in all activities of high school life. One of her greatest joys was playing the E-flat tuba in the school band, a position she was awarded because she was the only one left who could read music. Upon high school graduation Frances left Aliceville on a train and entered Agnes Scott College, where she did not know another person. Her love for Agnes Scott ran deep from the beginning. After her Junior year she married John Harrison Guess, who had just been called into service during the Korean War. Frances had two quarters remaining to graduate and returned to Agnes Scott when her children were both in college to complete her degree. She was the first to enroll in the “Back to College” program. She enjoyed the experience and excelled in the classroom. A long time, active member of the Decatur Presbyterian Church, Frances served as a youth advisor, President of the Women of the Church, member of the Board of Deacons, Ruling Elder and served on numerous search committees for Senior Pastor of the Church. One of her great experiences was membership in the Crusaders Sunday School Class, where she was a founding member, past president and maintained her membership for over 50 years. Among her favorite things were her Book Club (a prodigious reader who loved books), her Sew and Go Club (who never sewed) and the Old Bridge Club whose members’ friendships she cherished. These dear friends took Frances in when she was a new resident of Decatur, and showed her love and friendship she never forgot. Her beach trips with her Agnes Scott roommates were special. They continued for 35 years, one week a year, and would command as many as 14 people. Frances was an active and productive member of the community and productive member of the community and her church. She was a member and President of the Decatur Cotillion Club, a member of the Junior League of DeKalb County, a Co-President of the Fernbank School PTA and Co-President of the Druid Hills High School PTA. She was an active member of the DAR and the Alabama Club of Atlanta (founded in 1934) in which she made many new friends from her home state. She loved playing tennis at the Druid Hills Country Club and made many late-in-life friends as well as winning a couple of championships along the way. She was an active member of the Agnes Scott Alumni Association and particularly enjoyed the study courses that were offered several times a year and conducted by the faculty of Agnes Scott College. Frances’ deepest love of all was her family, husband, children and grandchildren. The family trips to Hilton Head, which she planned and made sure everyone attended, were the high mark of every year. Frances was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Sara Emma. She is survived by her husband, John Harrison Guess; her son, Frank Chalmers Guess and wife Amy; daughter Laurie Guess Crochet and husband Greg; and grandchildren John Anthony Crochet, William James Crochet, Anna Frances Crochet, Connor Summerville Guess, Laurie Elizabeth Guess and Benjamin Harrison Guess. There will be a family graveside service at Decatur Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Decatur Presbyterian Church starting at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 28 with a reception to follow in the Church parlor. Anyone wishing to sends a memorial may do so to Decatur Presbyterian Church, 205 Sycamore Street, Decatur, Georgia 30030; Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia or any charity of your choice. A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.