Frances Pamela Yates Van Fosson, affectionately known as Pam to those who knew her the longest, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, in Mobile, Alabama, at the age of 76. She was surrounded by family who showed her the same love and kindness she had shared throughout her life.

Born on March 14, 1948, in York, Alabama, Fran's journey was one of warmth, generosity, and an unwavering passion for education. While raising her three children, she pursued her true calling as an educator. She began her career at Central Baptist before moving on to Southeast College of Technology. During this time in her life she met and married Buddy, her husband of 30 years, became a grandmother, and developed relationships with friends that became lifelong chosen family. Eventually she transitioned into teaching Language Arts and Business Technology for the Mobile County Public School System where she continued to teach for 13 years at Williamson and B.C. Rain High School before retiring. Her love for literature, writing, and business education was evident in everything she did. A stickler for proper grammar and punctuation, Fran quickly became everyone's go-to proofreader, teacher in personal and professional business, and counselor in life lessons.

Fran’s love extended far beyond the classroom. She was the queen of hospitality, welcoming everyone into her home with open arms and a warm meal. Cooking was not just a hobby but an expression of love—she never made a bad meal and took joy in hosting family and friends. Her ability to turn friends into family was one of her greatest gifts; she never met a stranger and always found ways to brighten someone’s day with a joke or a homemade pie. Fran had a deep appreciation for Mardi Gras and enjoyed attending parades. Those were some of her most cherished memories.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ralph “Buddy” Van Fosson; her brother and sister-in-love, Tommy and Paula Yates; her children Ray Lee (Karen) and Angela Hartley (Tony); her chosen daughter Peggy Clark (Clint); grandchildren Tayla Lee, Kerry Blakeney, Kaleb Lee (Maggie), Rachel Bush (David), Cody Walker, Jacob Lee (Tori), and Michael Hartley; and great-grandchildren Grayson Lee and Lily Blakeney. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Leanne Blakeney Walker.

As a true educator at heart, Fran made one final act of generosity by donating her body to the University of South Alabama’s School of Medicine so students could continue to learn from her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 15, 2025, at Fulton Road Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. The service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by visitation and fellowship with family and friends in the church’s Christian Life Center at 12:00 PM.

Fran’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

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