Frances Best Bergen, 90, of Duck River TN, left this earthly life to be in the presence of Jesus on Friday, December 6, 2019, at NHC Maury Regional TCC, Columbia, TN. She was born August 28, 1929 on her parent’s farm in Franklin County, NC and lived most of her life in Gallatin, TN.  “Fran” was the daughter of the late Charles Farmer and Lucy Thomas Best of Franklinton, North Carolina, the youngest of nine children.

She is pre-deceased by all of her brothers and sisters. 

She was the wife of the late Harold P. “Whitey” Bergen, Jr. whom she married on June 11, 1950. 

She leaves a legacy of deep faith to her survivors including daughters Mary Ann Duffer, Mt. Dora, Florida, Ruth (Steve) Dudugjian of Duck River, Tennessee, Susan (Fred) Trice of Fleming Island, Florida, 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

She devoted 25 years of her life to the care of her beloved husband who had ALS and passed away in 1993. Fran cherished her roles of wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her love of nature, sewing and needlework creativity, love of gardening and flowers, and her generosity in giving of her time, energy, and talents to benefit her family, church and community. She was an active community and church volunteer even into her eighties. Fran never met a stranger, and her engaging personality endeared her to everyone who knew her. 

A Celebration of her life and faith will be held Saturday, December 28, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Centerville, Tennessee, at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation with the family will be for one hour preceding the service.

Fran donated her body to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for research. 

The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert McDaniel, Gallatin, Tennessee, for his long-time care, her loving caregivers while at Morning Pointe Assisted Living, the staff of NHC Maury Regional TCC, and Hospice Compassus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hickman Cares Food Bank, First Baptist Church, 123 Church St. Centerville, TN 37033, or to Alzheimer’s Association www.ALZ.org.