Frances Ann McGee, age 77, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Saturday morning, May 10, 2025, at the home of her daughter.

      She was born April 2, 1948, in Mason, the daughter of Charles and Gwendoline Daisy (Knights) Maxwell.  She had been married to James A. Cochran Sr. and later David Smith, and they both preceded her in passing.  Frances married Brad McGee on September 3, 2009, and although they divorced, a lasting special friendship remained.

      Frances worked as a material handler at North American Lighting in Flora for 32 years.  She enjoyed mushroom hunting and took pride in teaching her grandsons and great-grandsons how to butcher and process deer.  In her younger years Frances rode a Harley-Davidson to work – one of those memories that always brought a smile and seemed to capture her fearless, independent spirit. 

      She loved playing 5000 Rummy and other card games with family, sipping coffee and visiting with friends, lending a hand to others, and spending quiet time reading.  Frances also enjoyed being outdoors – whether she was shooting guns, fishing, or keeping her lawn looking just right.  She was known for her home cooking and loved sharing favorite dishes like banana split cake, chocolate sheet cake, chili, fried potatoes, fried chicken, and homemade noodles. 

      Over the years, she made many quilts for her family – each one stitched with love and care, right up until her hands wouldn’t let her anymore.  She attended Bible Grove Christian Church.

      She is survived by her children: Lori Goodman (fiancé Dyke Marble) of Louisville, James A. (Shelly) Cochran Jr. of Indiana, Gwen Cochran of Lincoln, and Chris C. Smith of Iowa; stepchildren: Neldarahy Zingg, Erma Cohea, Clifford Cochran, and James F. Cochran; grandchildren: Tyler (Camila) Trinkle, Cole Trinkle, Chase (Destyni) Trinkle, Aaron Cochran, Trista Cochran, James A. Cochran III, Stacey (Matt) Hankel, Dakota Cochran, Makayla Cochran, and Devin Smith; great-grandchildren: Ariana Trinkle, Myla Trinkle, Luisa Trinkle, Isaiah Trinkle, and Jaxson Trinkle, along with several other great-grandchildren; siblings: John (Debbie) Maxwell of Edgewood, Mary (Don) Bovard of Effingham, and Nila (Don) Byers of Mt. Zion; an uncle: Keith (Tessa) Knights of Suffolk, England; an aunt: Ann (Dudley) Knights; a nephew: Todd (Sondra) Maxwell of Raymond; and 5 nieces: Melissa (Bruce) Nielson of Mt. Zion, Tiffanee (Adam) Hartke of Teutopolis, Erica (Andrew) Wilkins of Effingham, Jennifer Depta of Tennessee, and Rhonda Maxwell. 

      She was preceded in passing by her parents, a son: Danny Lee Sharp; 2 brothers: Alan and Ivan; and a sister: Betty.

      A funeral ceremony will begin at 12 noon on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Mike Elliott officiating.  Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville.  A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to SWAN Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter which provides services for women and children in this regional area, and these donations will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com