Frances Holland Land

Tupelo – With grateful hearts, we said goodbye to our precious Mother on Friday, November 21, 2025, at her home. She was a Godly woman, full of grace, with a joyful soul and a merry heart. We will miss her more than words could ever express, but we celebrate her reunion with Christ her Savior and Lord of her life.

Frances was born November 27, 1927, to George H. and Ina H. Holland in Mathiston, Mississippi. Being the youngest of seven children, she relished in the richness of a large family.

She attended Wood Junior College and graduated from Delta State University with a B.S. in Home Economics in 1950. Her first years of teaching were at Madison-Ridgeland High School in Madison, Mississippi.

On December 25, 1951, Frances married Leland Land, the love of her life, and settled in Greenwood, Mississippi. They were blessed with three children, whom they lovingly raised. The family faithfully attended First Baptist Church. Although the family was very involved in church life and the community, they were led to move to Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1969.

Frances taught at Milam, then Carver Junior High School from 1973 until retiring in 1989, where she was given the nickname “FL” by Mickey Linder. She adored her fellow teachers and administrators and remained in touch with many of her former students throughout her life.

Since 1969, Frances has been a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church, except for a break following retirement in Jackson, Mississippi, to be closer to family. She was committed to her Lord, her church, and her children. Her children never doubted her love for them. Each year she looked forward to hitting the road and spending time helping Thomas in his Florist in North Carolina. At the drop of a hat, she would drive wherever necessary to be near Diane, Ron and Matthew, her only grandson, wherever their next move might take them. Living overseas for many years, Frances enjoyed visiting Linda and Glyn in various foreign locations.

Frances loved life and had little idle time. Spending time with family or friends was invaluable. Following a stroke in 2018, the thing she missed most was her conversations with those whom she loved. She never complained and never lost her sweet spirit and smile.

Left to honor her memory are her daughters, Linda Hilton (Glyn) of Belden, Mississippi, and Diane Chamberlain of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a son, Thomas Land of Raleigh, North Carolina; a grandson, Joseph Chamberlain (Namwan) of Charlestown, Indiana; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 25 years, Leland Land; her son-in-law, SMS Ronald Chamberlain; her brothers, Dr. Joseph Holland (Elizabeth), Wilbur Holland (Margaret), and Clarence Holland; and her sisters, Virginia Gilley (G.), Doris Webb (Garnett), and Mary George Elliott (C.H.).

The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation to her caregivers Essie Simmons, Virginia Hill, Carolyn Ford, and Janice Hudson for their unwavering devotion. Sanctuary Hospice provided invaluable care and assistance during these last weeks.

Services honoring her life will be held on Wednesday, December 3 at 1 p.m. at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Reverend Jeff Chamblee officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Private family graveside services will be held at Lee Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Jim Locke, Michael Lunceford, Larry Stewart, Jeff Tally, Travis Wampler, Steve White, and Barton Wynn.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 501 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804 or Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.