Frances Holland Bledsoe
Frances Louise Holland Bledsoe, 92, of Martinsville, VA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 29, 2026. She was born in Axton, VA, to the late Drewry Willard Holland and Eula Clark Holland Shelton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lipscomb Bledsoe; her siblings, Bill Holland (Mary), Mildred Lawrence (Marshall), James Holland, and Bobby Holland; her grandson, Jeffery Arlen Curry, her niece, Sarah Beth Holland and one step grandson.
Frances is survived by her children, Richard Arlen Curry, Jr. and Donna Curry LaPrad (Kenny Hancock), of Martinsville, VA; and her stepsons, Robert L. Bledsoe, Jr. (Jerrie) of Albany, GA, and William B. Bledsoe (Stephanie) of Winston Salem, NC.
She is also survived by six grandchildren: John LaPrad (Amber), David Curry, Lyndsay Amato (John), Lisa Butler, Anna Frances LaPrad, and Melissa Cook (Joey), and two step granddaughters, and eleven great grandchildren: Evelyn Curry, Lillian LaPrad, Olivia LaPrad, Zoey Curry, Serafina Adkins, Abigail Rae Butler, Gemma Louise Amato, Josephina Cook, Charlie Ann Amato, Arlen Cook, Noah Cook, and three step great grandchildren.
She is further survived by sisters in law Carolyn Holland of Axton, VA, and Linda Holland of Danville, VA, former son-in-law, Lem LaPrad of Rock Hill, SC, former daughter-in-law, and Mary Lou Perkins of Martinsville, VA, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Frances was also blessed with the faithful and unwavering care of Vanessa Lipscomb, who lovingly supported her for the past four years.
Frances was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville until she was physically no longer able to attend. She graduated from Axton High School, where she proudly played basketball. She spent twenty years with Dupont, beginning as a machine operator and ultimately retiring as a supervisor—an achievement made even more remarkable during a time when women were rarely given opportunities to lead.
Her passion, however, was helping women feel beautiful, confident, and seen. Exceptionally gifted in this calling, she owned and operated two Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios—one in Martinsville (purchased in 1978) and another in Eden, NC (1980). For 18 years, she uplifted countless women, offering not only cosmetics but compassion, encouragement, and a sense of self worth.
Frances lived a life rich with interests, intellect, and connection. She was an avid reader and a proud member of her book club; when her eyesight began to fail, she embraced audiobooks with the same enthusiasm. She loved card games of all kinds, belonged to multiple bridge clubs, and cherished every moment spent playing Rook with her family. Her mind remained sharp and her humor delightfully tasteful—her wit never left her, even on her final day.
Visitation will be held from 12:00–1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Collins McKee Stone Funeral Home, with the funeral service immediately following. Interment will take place at Danville Memorial Gardens.
In true Frances fashion, there will be no “in lieu of flowers” suggestion. She adored flowers—every color, every bloom, every bouquet—and would be absolutely delighted to be surrounded by all the beauty anyone wishes to send.
