With great sadness, we announce the passing of Frances Marnet Lane Defenbaugh, who entered her eternal rest on November 27, 2025. Born on September 15, 1946, Frances was one of seven children to Dee Burnice and Wilma Bloodworth Lane.

She graduated from East Tallahatchie High School, where she excelled both academically and athletically in basketball and track. After attending Northwest Mississippi Community College, Frances spent many summers at Grenada Lake, where she learned to water ski and met the love of her life, William Richeson "Rich" Defenbaugh.

A lifelong Ole Miss Rebel fan, she rarely missed the chance to cheer on her team. She was also a proud supporter of Kirk Academy athletics, faithfully attending games and proudly cheering on her children and grandchildren through every season. Frances also served her community through her involvement in the Junior Auxiliary of Grenada, where she held roles including President and later Vice President of the Junior Auxiliary National Organization. Frances lived a life marked by service, devotion to her family, and deep community involvement.

Frances leaves behind her two sons, Rodney Edwin Defenbaugh II and his wife, Juli, of Grenada; and William Richeson "Bill" Defenbaugh Jr. and his wife, Dana, of Winona; her treasured grandchildren, Emily Defenbaugh Pettigrew (Jimmy), Rodney Edwin Defenbaugh III, Grace Hayes Defenbaugh, and Minelle Rollins Defenbaugh; and her siblings, Barbara Dogan, Debbie Mitchell, and Dewayne Lane.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rich; her granddaughter, Nowell Elizabeth Defenbaugh; her parents; her siblings, Bubba Lane, Linda Smith, and Bernice Pettit; and a nephew, Lee Smith.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Friendship Baptist Church in Grenada, MS. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow immediately at Oddfellows Cemetery in Grenada.

Pallbearers will be Kent Lane, Glen Mitchell, John Dogan, Jason Pettit, Danny Pettit, Timmy Pettit, Allen Harrell, and Scott Woods.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Frances' memory to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital or the Kirk Academy Booster Club.