Frances Gerstlauer passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Huntsville, AL. She was born on August 27,1929 in Section, AL. Frances lived an amazing 94 years. She was admired for her generosity and kindness. Frances married William "Bill" Gerstlauer in 1948. They were married for over 59 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 2007; also, her parents, Olivia and Cletus Zeigler of Section, AL; and twin brothers, Burrell Zeigler of Chattanooga and Gerald Zeigler of Scottsboro; and brother-in-law, James "Bud" Flanagan.
Frances is survived by her oldest daughter, Fran Gilbert (Randy); youngest daughter, Susan Willis (Richard Howard); grandchild, Whitley Reynolds (Chase); great-grandsons, Eli and Easton; sister, Linda Flanagan of Huntsville; sister-in-law, Mary Zeigler of Scottsboro, AL; and nieces, Jennie Bibler (Joe) of Chattanooga, TN, Leigh Conolly of Atlanta, GA, Lori Pearson (Ron) of Atlanta, GA, Melanie Elliott (Michael) of Huntsville and Lisa Flanagan of Huntsville.
Frances acquired a BS degree from Jacksonville State University and her Master's degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She devoted 32 years of teaching and then guidance counseling at Huntsville High School from 1969-1991. Frances, along with her husband, Bill were avid golfers. They were members of Valley Hill Country Club and had a home on the golf course. They also enjoyed playing bridge with several couples. They were members of Weatherly Baptist Church.
We were so blessed to have 3 wonderful caregivers who took excellent care of her as if she were their mother. One of the caregivers was her sister, Linda Flanagan. Her other two caregivers were Carol Rush of Ardmore and Anne Marie Auguste of Harvest. She was also cared for by North Alabama Hospice.
There will be a Celebration of Life from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on February 25, 2024, at Valley Hill Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Tee, P.O. Box 3055, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004. First Tee is an organization that helps develop youth.