Benson, NC: Mrs. Frances Byrd Whittenton, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Hartwell Health and Rehab in Garner. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson. Graveside Funeral Services will be 3:00 PM Tuesday, July 28, 2026 in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson. Rev. Glenn McCullen and Dr. Don Sauls will officiate.

Mrs. Frances was born on August 6, 1940, in Johnston County, NC, to the late Charlie Hatcher and Lula Weeks Byrd. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Ireland Byrd; sisters and brothers, Janice B. Thorne, Betty Jean Capps, May Belle Singletary, Bobby J. Byrd, Charlie Raeford Byrd, Hilton D. Byrd, Roy Byrd, and Glenn E. "Bill" Byrd.

Mrs. Frances retired from Fieldcrest Mills, Inc., and Eaton Corporation in Smithfield. She was a member of Benson Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church in Benson. Mrs. Frances loved flowers, reading, and listening to Gospel music. She deeply loved all of her family and friends

Survivors include her son, Billy Ireland and wife, Regina; grandchildren, Jennifer Enterkin and husband, Jacob, and Christina Ireland; great-grandchildren, Lauren Enterkin, Kate Enterkin, and Lily Enterkin; sister, JoAnn Drennan; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their appreciation for all the love and care that was shown to her by the staff from Hartwell Health and Rehab Center and Heartland Hospice during her stay there.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers and will also be receiving friends at the home of Billy and Regina Ireland.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.