Frances Perry McRae, 86, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026 surrounded by her children. She was born on June 4, 1940 in Eupora, Mississippi and was the only child of the late Louise Justice Perry Maloy and William Francis Perry. Frances moved to Douglas, GA, at an early age with her family and graduated from Coffee County High School, where she was a class leader. She attended Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, as a math major before marrying A. Thomas McRae, Jr. She then graduated from UGA with a degree in education. When Tom was accepted to the Medical College of Georgia, the McRaes moved to Augusta where Frances made the decision to join the St. Paul’s congregation, beginning a lifelong commitment to the Episcopal Church.

After medical school, the McRaes lived in the states of Washington, Mississippi, and Tennessee before returning to South Georgia to live in Valdosta in 1978. There she raised her family of four children who were the focus of her life. Frances was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta, serving on the altar guild and convening a weekly prayer group. She served as a board member of the Haven and was a founding member of the Cabaret Club. She enjoyed outfitting the ladies of Valdosta from the Pink Petunia clothing boutique for several years.

She believed firmly in the power of prayer and an excellent education. She was a stickler for good manners, good grammar, and dressing well for every occasion. She was quick to laugh but never at anyone else's expense. An avid Georgia Bulldog fan, she donned her floppy red hat with the G on front every gameday Saturday and cheered louder than any fan in the room. She was also a voracious reader who built an extensive library so that she could share and discuss books with friends.

She lived at Langdale Place the last nine years of her life, where she loved and entertained all those around her. She was loved richly in return. They too found her spicy, bossy, nosy, sassy, and fiercely loving. She embraced all as extended family. At the time of her death, one of the staff members said to those gathered around her, “We will remember her as the Mayor of Langdale."

She is survived by her children, Laura McRae (& Steve) Hitchcock of Murfreesboro, TN, Joany McRae (& Ray) Kleinlein of Murfreesboro, TN, Brice McRae (& Jim) Tunison of Valdosta, and Dr. A. Thomas McRae III (& Beth Segars McRae) of Nashville, TN; her 10 grandchildren, Jordan Hitchcock, John-Stephen (Ahnee) Hitchcock, Jackson (Sylvia) Hitchcock, Laura (Jack) McRae, Kate Tunison, William (Boyd) Tunison, Marimac (Donny) Carty, Thomas McRae IV, Perry Frances Kleinlein, and Ross Kleinlein; and three great-grandchildren, Hayden Hitchcock, Baker Hitchcock, and Rylan Hitchcock. She was preceded in death by her parents and a very special cousin, Peggy Justice Clay.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of South GA.

A service for Frances will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11am at Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home