Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Holst Skelton, 102 years old, passed away peacefully at her home September 8.

Born February 28, 1917 in Cuthbert, Georgia to Hala and Henry Clay Holst, she was the youngest of three daughters and the last remaining member of her Holst family.

Mrs. Skelton attended the University of Georgia earning undergraduate and graduate degrees.She was the recipient of the 1937 Chi Omega Award given to the female student with the highest academic average.Additionally, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.In 1938 Mrs. Skelton accepted a teaching position at Hartwell High School.She later became Curriculum Director for the Hart County School system.

Predeceased by her husband, Judge William Carey Skelton, she is survived by her daughter and son in law, Hala and Bill Mayes, and two granddaughters, Karen and Mike McDaniel, Natalie and Kevin Chapman.One great granddaughter and nine great grandsons also survive.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 14 at three o'clock at Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Mrs. Skelton loved her church which she joined in 1938.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Hartwell, 81 E. Howell Street, Hartwell, GA 30643 or to the Bell Family YMCA, 281 Opal Ext., Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.