"Absence makes the heart grow fonder," truer words have never been spoken, as we celebrate the beautiful life of Frances Denise Gaudet. Frances (73) of Hopkins, SC passed away peacefully on October 16th, 2024, after a recent decline in health. Frances is loved and missed by her loving, hardworking, husband, John Gaudet Jr, their two sons; Ignacio Sanchez, Jack Gaudet; their daughter Angel Gaudet, their daughter-in-law Erica McComas; ten loving siblings, An abundance of grand and great grand children will miss her dearly; Wesley Leamon (Amber), Samantha (Pooter) Dupree (Matt), Austin Martin (Kimberlynn), Hawke Sanchez, Tyler Martin, Ty McComas (Selena), Ariana Sanchez, KD and Detron Smith, Naria Gaudet, Nana and Jamesey Davis, Tayler and Trinity McComas, Eden Ellis, Talon and Tidus Leamon, Emma McComas, Aria Dupree, Cameron Smith, Sophia Martin, Kesley, Paisley, and Everley Martin. The world lost some vivid color that day. Frances has lost many loved ones before her; her parents; Hettie and Charles, two siblings; Ed and Charlene, her grandson, Joseph Talon, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and close friends. Her most recent losses were; her son Randall (Dee), daughter Laurie (Chrissy), and her canine friend, Cocoa. Frances is now blissfully free and reunited with her loved ones.

She was known to many as Frances, Denise, Mrs. Frances, but known to most as Gam Gam. Gam Gam is her most popular assumed name. She was Gam Gam and she loved to be Gam Gam. It is what all the grands call her, plus all their friends and more. Frances represents a beautiful soul that puts others first and never ceases to give all of what she had to those around her. She represents endless selflessness, strength beyond measure, guiding light, and consistent presence. She has always been our rock, the unstoppable, The Matriarch. Frances, Denise, Mrs. Frances, Gam Gam is unapologetically herself, no matter what. Her strong exterior, consistency, unconditional love is what made her and her home, our Safe Haven.

Frances began her life strong and independent. She grew up in an orphanage in Fort Worth, Texas, there were high expectations and structure. A place where respecting your elders goes without saying. Frances helped take care of her brother in the home. They had to take care of each other. She found herself running more often than walking. She found her niche, it was running track. Frances had some college education but also committed to a military lifestyle when she married into the military, becoming a military spouse. She has almost always been a military wife. Frances endured the trials and tribulations of constantly creating new homes for her household. She had to help the kids adapt to new schools, while adapting herself. We would like to say it was flawless but maybe perfectly imperfect paints a more accurate picture. Frances traveled all over the United States of America. She created homes in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Hawaii and Germany. When she met John in South Carolina, she finally put down roots. She worked at a few different places. Piggie Park, a movie rental store, and managed a gas station until she was robbed. She was the strongest woman we knew. She loved to work but eventually had to stay home due to her health.

Frances will be fondly remembered for her many talents. She had a passion for crocheting. She showered everyone with the love of creation. Blankets, dish towels, roses, and jewelry of all types. If you met her, you have something she has made. No one, not a person left her house without jewelry or something beautifully crafted by her. "It's your own fault if you leave Gam Gam's hungry," She loved to cook, bake, and decorate cakes. Family favorites were deep dish pizzas, enchiladas, spaghetti, homemade beef jerky, spiced pecans, deer dip, sakitumi cakes, pineapple bacon wraps, egg salad, chicken salad, and baked vidalia onions. The list could go on. She personally liked to eat Quiche (her recipe) It was her favorite. We surprised her as often as possible with one. She would make brownies for John's work buddies years ago. She put them in a bag for him like he was in middle school. He would sell them. They didn't hesitate to buy them and ask for more. She always bragged about their love. She adored him. Like a moth drawn to flame, she was drawn to John. She loved him like that, She made him her world, moved heaven and earth.

In her alone time, she loved watching her cartoons and movies; Thundercats, Sheera, He- man, and Galtar and the Golden Lance. She recently found a lot of joy in shopping on Amazon and Temu. She always had something new to show you. She has a nice collection of gorgeous crystal figurines; animals, flowers, dragons, etc. She has many collectable items that include; Cinderella, Scooby Doo, snow babies, movies, Star Trek, Dr. Who, etc.

Over the last year she found a best friend in her daughter-in-law, Erica. Erica has spent the majority of her time just hanging out with Frances as a friend, daughter, and listening ear to eachother. She helped John care for her. Erica organized the last family gathering. It was Frances's birthday, a Girl's Night. It was her best birthday party. All eyes on Gam Gam. We all pulled chairs into her room, we sang, she even got to hear The Ryan's birthday tune from Pooter. We brought the party to her. We had good food and we talked to Gam Gam for hours. All she did was smile and laugh that day. And she has a smile and laugh that can light up a room. Her laugh is contagious. She never fails to make someone laugh with her spunkiness.

Frances adored her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She used to have sleepovers with all the family over, kids scattered all over the floor on blanket pallets, on the recliner, and pull out bed. Those were the best nights. Gam Gam was a little bit of a parent, teacher, best friend and of course, partner in crime. Frances would support you, love, encourage, and teach valuable life lessons. She always had a piece of advice for anyone she spoke to. She spoke many words of wisdom. She was such an inspiration. She always reminded you to only be you, the best you, the true you. She was so kind, resilient, and determined. Frances Denise Gaudet was the strongest person you will ever meet. She was humble. She was stubborn, hard headed, and so admirable. Frances never even received a traffic ticket, only because she didn't get caught.

Tag you're it, Until we meet again.

Forever remembered by those who were blessed to meet her.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, October 26th, 2024 at the Gaudet Residence. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.