Frances Harris Cardwell, 84, of Decatur died Thursday, February 12, 2009 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born Frances Irene Akin, daughter of Ira Curtis Akin and Susie Bragg Akin, she was one of 12 children raised in the Oak Grove area of Atlanta. Mrs. Cardwell attended local schools, graduating from Emory University Nursing School in 1943. She then married her high school sweetheart, Mr. Robert Harris in 1944. They remained happily married until his death in 1979 of a heart attack. After a several-year period of living in Cumming, Mrs. Cardwell returned to Decatur to live amongst family and friends. She married William Cardwell in 1988. Described by all who knew and loved her as “the epitome of a Southern lady”, Mrs. Cardwell was active in her church, Oak Grove United Methodist Church. She was a member of Garden Clubs in both Cumming and Atlanta, as well as sewing for the Altar Guild. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, William Cardwell; sons, Robert Harris, Jr. of Richmond, VA and Edward Harris of Greenville, SC; daughters-in-law, Linda Harris and Betty Harris; granddaughters, Allison Harris, Katherine Harris, and Lauren Harris; step-sons, Will Cardwell and Van Cardwell, both of Atlanta; brother, Donald Akin of Atlanta; and multiple nieces and nephews, who adored her. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Oak Grove United Methodist Church; burial will follow at Oak Grove UMC Cemetery. Donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1925 Century Blvd., N.E., Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345-3315. The family will receive friends and family Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at A. S. Turner & Sons in Decatur.
