Frances Emily Stacey McKelvey Thorne

December 18, 1932 – January 24, 2026

With loving hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Frances Emily Stacey McKelvey Thorne announces her peaceful passing on January 24, 2026. Born on December 18, 1932, Frances spent 93 meaningful years sharing kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love with all who knew her.

A devoted sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Frances was the cherished matriarch of a large and adoring family. She loved her Lord, her family, her church family and her friends with sincerity and joy. Her faith was the steady foundation of her life, and through her gentle spirit, gracious words, and steadfast prayers, she reflected Christ’s love in everything she did.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Odus and Nannie Rowe Stacey; her first husband, A.T. McKelvey, and her second husband, Charles Thorne; her sons, Victor Paul McKelvey and Jerry Lee McKelvey; her daughter, Martha Elaine McKelvey; her great-grandson, Isaac Gregory Bush; and five brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her sons, Terry McKelvey (Wanda) and Toby McKelvey (Becky); her daughter, Carol Powell (Tony); and her stepson, Wayne Thorne (Kathy). She is also lovingly survived by a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren—each one a treasured part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Frances nurtured those around her with warmth, patience, and a deep well of love. She created a home where everyone felt welcomed, valued, and deeply cherished. Whether offering a listening ear, a quiet prayer, or a comforting embrace, she had a remarkable way of making each person feel uniquely seen and loved.

She will be remembered for her compassion, her grace, her humor, and the peaceful strength she carried through every day. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is now joyfully home with her Savior—reunited with those she loved and welcomed into the eternal rest she faithfully lived toward.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

Frances will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever celebrated.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Arrowwood Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Springhill Memorial Gardens.

Harris-Nadeau Mortuary & Crematory

Chesnee, SC.