Ms. Frances O'Hara, 79, of Elkhart, was called to her heavenly home on Saturday, November 16, 2024, within the familiar and peaceful confines of her own home surrounded by the people that she loved the most. Frances was born on July 17, 1945 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Andrew and Ether (Gamble) Thomas. She later married Paul A. O'Hara, but he also preceded Frances in passing in 2015.

Frances was a 1963 graduate of Elkhart High School. She worked at CTS Corporation, where she was an Assembler Operator for 25 years and was later employed at Miles Laboratories (Bayer Health-Care Corporation). After 10 years of service, she retired from Miles Laboratories. As an advocate for serving the community, Frances enjoyed serving on numerous boards, such as the City of Elkhart's Board of Works and Human Relations Commission. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and a member of the Indiana Black Expo. She also served as a State Delegate to the Indiana Democratic State Convention.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was a faithful and active member of Agape Missionary Baptist Church where she devotedly served as an usher. She took great pride in serving the Lord. Community Missionary Baptist Church down the street was her second church home as she also loved sitting in the usher's pew there, swaying to music and praising God in her own way.

Frances's infectious smile, energy, enthusiasm and love touched people from all walks of life. She found joy in spending time with her family and looked forward to their gatherings and attending gospel musicals. Thrifting was an enjoyable pastime for her as well. In the last few years, joining the L.I.F.T. (Ladies Inspiring Fitness Together) Group brought joy and laughter to her beyond what the group will ever know. Frances was also known for her impeccable sense of fashion, which she enhanced by adorning her signature scarves of varying colors and patterns. Frances' outerwear was no exception as she loved her furs and hats. She was the epitome of classy, chic, and elegance. In her living, Frances was a woman of strong faith, integrity, and honesty. She'd always say "right will follow you, work hard, and trust God in all things". She will be deeply missed by those she touched.

Along with her parents and her husband Paul, Frances is preceded in death by brothers Jesse Gamble and James, Melvin, and Johnny Thomas as well as sisters Annie (McKnight) Whitted, Marcella Furlow and Mae Nellie Redding.

Frances is survived by her son, Paul Taylor, Jr. and daughter, Tonda (Robert) Hines, both of Elkhart; brother Charlie (Debra) Thomas of South Bend; sister-in-love Margaret Owens, Grandchildren Nakara (Yarrum) Murray of Elkhart, Xavier (Crystal) Taylor of Chattanooga, TN, Raven Taylor of Houston, Texas, Ricky Taylor of Elkhart, Miranda Taylor of Lebanon, Indiana, Michael Taylor of Nappannee, Todd Johnson, II and RoTony Hines, both of Elkhart and Camille (Derrick) Butts of Snellsville, Georgia; sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Services celebrating the life of Ms. Frances O'Hara will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 12:00 noon at Agape Missionary Baptist Church, 248 W. Wolf Ave, Elkhart. Visitation will begin 1 hour before the service. Pastor Willie Moffet will officiate and the Reverend Dr. Dannell Brown will be the eulogist. Ms. O'Hara will be laid to rest at Prairie Street Cemetery immediately following the services. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart. Condolences may be made online at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Acknowledgements:  Frances' immediate family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all of their extended family, neighbors and dear friends for the many acts of kindness shown to us during our time of bereavement. A special thank you should go to Virginia Massey and Margaret Owens, who were her caregivers, as well as Traditions Health Compassionate Hospice Care. May God continue to richly bless you all.

A repast will following the burial at the Omega Event Center, 2130 Middlebury Street, Elkhart.