Frances Fielding Chittum, 79, of Fairfield, died peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Her continual determination and upbeat attitude during these years were an inspiration to us all. She instilled values to each of her children that we carry on to this day. She amazed us time and time again with her quiet strength and will to live, teaching us that cancer cannot crush the spirit.

She was born February 6, 1929 in Fishersville, a daughter of the late Marvin and Norah Brightwell Fielding.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Winston Chittum; brothers and sisters, Cerebrum Fielding, Norwood Fielding, Hampton Fielding, James Fielding, Ann F. Parrot and Jean F. Young.

Surviving are her children, Laura Conley and husband, Ron, Chesapeake, Paul Chittum and wife, Priscilla, Brownsburg, Nora C. Nash, Fairfield and Mark Chittum and wife, Becky, Natural Bridge; grandchildren, Ronnie Conley, Chesapeake, Nicholas Chittum and Morgan Chittum, Natural Bridge; a sister, Marjorie F. Balsley, Staunton; special nephews, Billy (Stretch) Chittum, Lexington and Terence Gray, Blacksburg; numerous nieces and nephews. Special caregivers, Cindy Miller, Rosa Blackwell and Delores Snarr. Special thanks to Dr. William Fintel for thirteen years of loving and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2008 at Harrison Funeral Chapel, with Rev. James Simmons and Rev. Doug Gunsalus officiating. Burial will follow in Fairfield Cemetery.

The family requests donations be made to Fairfield Rescue Squad, 5885 N. Lee Highway, Fairfield, VA 24435; Fairfield Fire Dept., 5842 N. Lee Highway, Fairfield, VA 24435; Rockbridge Area Hospice, P. O. Box 948, Lexington, VA 24450; or to the American Cancer Society, Rockbridge Community Unit, Box 100, Lexington, VA 24450.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.