Frances Wooddall Talmadge

Frances Wooddall Talmadge passed away peacefully at home April 15, 2019. She was born April 17, 1924 in Augusta, Ga., to James Merrell Wooddall and Velma Dunnington Wooddall. She was raised in Augusta with her sisters Martha and Merrell.

After graduating from Agnes Scott College, Frances lived in Augusta where she worked in radio and acted with the local theater group. Frances married Marion Talmadge in 1956 and moved to Portland. Their only son, Wooddall Wells Talmadge was born in 1958. Frances and Marion enjoyed 26 years in Portland where Marion worked at Georgia-Pacific Corporation and Frances was the consummate homemaker, mother and volunteer. They had scores of wonderful friends, particularly fellow parents raising children in Dunthorpe, their G-P "family," and at Black Butte Ranch. Frances and Marion were among the original owners at Black Butte, and she often described the early years at Black Butte with those friends as some of the best times of her life.

In 1982, Georgia-Pacific took Frances and Marion back to the South and they spent 20 happy years in Atlanta. After Marion's retirement, they traveled extensively throughout the world before returning to Portland in 2002. There they took delight in being close to their granddaughters Clair and Emily, both of whom they adored, as well as Wells and his wife Sarah, who they loved dearly.

Frances was a diligent volunteer at organizations such as the Junior League, Portland Center for Hearing and Speech, Christ Church Altar Guild and the High Museum of Atlanta. She was a longtime docent at the Portland Art Museum and served as president of the Cathedral Women of St. Philip in Atlanta and the 9 Hole Ladies group at Waverly Country Club. Frances also enjoyed membership in The Town Club and Portland Garden Club, serving on the board of both and Multnomah Athletic Club, Peachtree Garden Club and Piedmont Driving Club.

Frances was predeceased by her parents; husband; and sister, Merrell Garner.

She is survived by her son, Wells; daughter-in-law, Sarah Banks Talmadge; granddaughters, Mary Sinclair "Clair" Talmadge and Emily Wooddall Talmadge; and sister, Martha Thornhill.

The family would like to thank the wonderful team of care givers with Frances in her final years. A private service has been held. Remembrances may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral or the organization of your choice.
 

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