Frances Ellen Thompson Boyd

Frances Thompson Boyd, 86, of Salem, VA, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband George W. Boyd, Jr., her mother Fannie Woolwine Thompson, her father Elbert D. Thompson, and 13 of her 14 siblings. Frances is survived by her son George “Jody” Boyd, her daughter-in-law Marna Bales, her sister Leona Thompson Willett and the extended Thompson family.

Born January 8, 1935, Frances grew up in Salem Virginia and graduated from Andrew Lewis High School. She studied fine arts at Virginia Western, Hollins College and Roanoke College.

Frances began her trailblazing career in the advertising industry in 1953 at Smartwear-Irving Saks where for 14 years she produced fashion shows, promotional events and created newspaper advertisements. During the 1970’s she was Heironimus Department Store’s advertising manager in charge of the production of all retail advertising. She had a small stint as head of advertising at Stephenson & Aldridge Furniture before becoming Fink’s Jewelers Director of Advertising in the 1980’s where she worked until her retirement.

Upon retiring, Frances spent numerous years as an accomplished and prolific artist. She favored pastels but also worked in many other mediums. She participated in many art shows and enjoyed working at the artist co-op in downtown Roanoke.

Frances also loved music and volunteered as an usher at the Jefferson Center for a number of years.

Due to the risk of COVID-19, a short graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2022 at Fair View Cemetery in Roanoke, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the American Brain Tumor Association (abta.org). Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.johnmoakey.com.