Frances Segars Hemphill

Frances Segars Hemphill, age 86, of Toccoa, Georgia formerly of Clarkesville, Georgia passed away on Friday, July 24, 2015. Ms. Hemphill was born November 6, 1928 in Franklin County, Georgia. She graduated from Franklin County High School as the salutatorian in 1945, and then received a diploma from Athens Business College in 1947. Ms. Hemphill worked at Belk Gallant in Toccoa as the office manager and district bookkeeping supervisor. The Hemphills moved to Clarkesville, Georgia in 1949. Ms. Hemphill was employed by Habersham Electric Membership Cooperative (HEMC) as a member service advisor. She authored the "Hills of Habersham" newsletter for HEMC, and designed lighting plans for consumers. Ms. Hemphill also had an interest in photography and art, and completed short courses in photographic design, art, and creative photography, and designed a dark room to be used by HEMC in developing pictures. Her volunteer activities during this time included organizing the Georgia Rural Electric Women's Task Force and serving as secretary of the National Rural Electric Women's Task Force. In 1962, she graduated from North Georgia Technical and Vocational School as a second honor graduate in Cosmetology. Ms. Hemphill had a passion for learning and attended Brenau College, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design in 1982. As part of her Brenau studies, she completed an internship with Harriett Hulsey Interiors. During her time at Brenau, she was a member of Phi Beta Sigma honor society, American Society of Interior Design (ASID), and Mu Rho Sigma. Ms. Hemphill enjoyed in-depth Bible study, and was an active member of Clarkesville United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school, participated in the United Methodist Women, and served as the church Co-treasurer. She was also active in her community serving as President of PTA and band boosters, serving as a volunteer at the polls, and chairing community drives for both the Heart Fund and Cancer Fund. She also served on the Board of Mental Health for Habersham County. Her hobbies and interests included needlework and sewing, working with any type of fabric or textiles, yard work, gardening and food preservation. Ms. Hemphill was an excellent cook and a gracious hostess. She was an avid reader and life-long learner, the love of which she shared with her family. She loved genealogy and was a member of the UDC and the Tomochichi chapter of the DAR. Survivors include her loving husband of 68 years, Frank Hemphill, of Toccoa; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Roger Bush, of Greenville, SC; brothers, W.T. Segars, of Toccoa; Gartrell Segars, of Snellville; and Rev. John Kelvin (Jack) Segars, of Athens; grandchildren, Jessica Rigler, Parker Bush, great grandchild, Emma Claire Rigler. Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Monday, July, 27, 2015 at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel with Rev. Brian Butler, Rev. Phil DeMore, and Rev. John Kelvin (Jack) Segars officiating. Interment will follow in Sunshine United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2015. Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Clarkesville United Methodist Church, 1087 Washington St, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia. 706-778-7123 Those wishing to express online condolences to the Hemphill family may do so by visiting our website at www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.