Frances Means Hjort

Frances Means Hjort, a longtime resident of Thomasville, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Her last 4 years were spent living in Charleston, SC. Born July 5, 1928 to Ruth Meadows Means and Frank Lane Means in Unadilla, Georgia, she is survived by her husband, Andrew Paul Hjort; children, Andrew Paul Hjort, Jr. (Carol), Frank Samuel Hjort (Nancy), and Ellen Hjort Walton (Jeff); grandchildren, Sam Hjort (Samantha), Matt Walton (Bonnie), Thomas Walton, and Julia Goff (Dustin); and great grandchildren, Vivian Goff, Caroline Walton, and Olivia Goff. She was preceded in death by a great grandchild, Connor Walton.

Frances grew up in Valdosta, Georgia. A graduate of Valdosta High School, Frances went on to major in Journalism at University of Georgia, celebrating graduation with a six week trip to Europe. Ahead of her time, she sought a radio journalism job, but no one was hiring females. Frances began working at First United Methodist Church in Thomasville, Georgia as the pastor's assistant. It was here that she met her future husband, Paul Hjort. Frances and Paul married in Valdosta, Georgia in 1950.

Frances had a love for music, and she and Paul sang together in the choir for over fifty years. She was very involved in church and community activities and was President of the United Methodist Women, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the Thomasville Garden Club. She taught school at East Side Elementary in Thomasville for one year and began a family soon after. She also was a Supervisor with Family and Children Services, assisting many families with needs. Upon retirement, Frances and Paul traveled extensively and loved sharing stories and pictures of their travels. She enjoyed swimming, walking, and reading. An Atlanta Braves fan and a Georgia Bulldog fan, sports were an important part of her life. An advocate for shut ins, Frances visited her "sheep" on a regular basis. Her love for family, friends, church, and community will forever be in our hearts.

Her funeral service will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Thomasville First Church in Thomasville, GA at 11:00 am, and the family will receive friends beginning one hour prior.

Memorial donations can be made in Frances' memory to Thomasville First Church, 425 N Broad St., Thomasville, GA 31792.