Frances Anne Goodwin Langston

Frances Anne Goodwin Langston, 93, of Gates, NC passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Born on December 26, 1932, Frances was the wife of 63 years to the late John Robert Langston and the daughter of George Hoskins Goodwin and Willie Edith Emminizer Goodwin, both deceased. Lovingly known as Mama and Granny, Frances loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Reynoldson Baptist Church for over 70 years. She was known for her love of family, her hospitality, generosity, and of course, her chocolate meringue pie and funeral cake.

Frances was a member of the Gates County Historical Society, Gates Couples’ Club, Bridge Club, and Women’s Missionary Society of Reynoldson Church. In her early years, she was a secretary at the Gates County Board of Education Office. Frances worked for over 28 years at the Union Camp Corporation purchasing department.

Survivors include her two daughters, Paige Langston Franks of Chesapeake, VA and Mary Edith Langston St. Denis and husband, Dale of Jacksonville, FL; three granddaughters, Amanda Franks Beacham, Meredith Franks, and Hannah St. Denis; grandson, Walter Langston St. Denis; great grandson, Logan Beacham; brother, Howard Goodwin and wife, Lucy; sister-in-law, Mary Langston Willey; and a host of cousins and extended family.

In addition to her husband and parents, Frances was preceded in death by her sister, Peggy Dees and brother, Willard Goodwin.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Reynoldson Baptist Church, Gates, NC with Pastor Cody Brinkley officiating. Friends may join the family in the social hall of Reynoldson Church for a reception immediately following the memorial service. The committal service will be conducted in the Holy Neck Christian Church Cemetery, Suffolk, VA immediately following the reception.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for her caregivers, Cathy Collins, Leah Fay, Brenda Parker, and Shelbie Palermo. They would also like to thank you all for your kindness, prayers and support over the past several years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reynoldson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308, Gates, NC 27937 or to the Gates County Historical Society, ℅ Barbara Wiant Crawford, P.O. Box 134, Gatesville, NC 27938.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the Langston family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com