Frances Kathleen Edgar Barrineau

Frances Kathleen Edgar Barrineau, affectionately known as “Gaga” to her loved ones, died on Saturday August 1, 2026, following an extended illness. Services will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday August 8, 2026, at Hart’s at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road in Macon, followed immediately by a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive guests beginning one hour before the service.

Frances was born in Washington County, Georgia on May 19, 1929, to Eugene and Mary Lowe Edgar. Frances spent her childhood years in Tennille; the Edgar home was shaped by a strong work ethic and Christian values, a family culture which influenced her youth and left an impact throughout her life. After her father suffered a serious back injury in 1939, Frances’ family moved to Macon where she finished high school, became employed as a medical receptionist and ultimately met her future husband, William L. “Bill” Barrineau, Jr. at a baseball game at Luther Williams Field.

Bill and Frances were married on April 18, 1948. She spent early marital life as a homemaker, raising their two children. As Bill’s career progressed, she became involved in supporting his myriad social service interests, including the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Grand Lodge of Georgia, Al Sihah Shrine and Macon Exchange Club. They were also devoted to their children and grandchildren, supporting school, church and community activities. Bill and Frances were fortunate to build two homes during their life together, with Frances spending her last 72 years in their final residence. After Bill’s unexpected passing in 1987, following 39 years of marriage, Frances spent the next 39 years devoted to her faith, family and community. She served as local coordinator for the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, leading fundraising efforts for children’s hospitals across the state of Georgia. She also served as a paraprofessional at Cynthia Weir Elementary School.

During their marriage, Bill and Frances were members of Centenary and Riverside United Methodist Churches. Frances devoted herself to leading Disciple Bible Study programs and teaching Sunday School. She took special pride in carefully planned Sunday lunches after worship services, where she hosted immediate and extended family, serving lovingly prepared homecooked meals. Scrumptious homemade cakes and other delectable desserts were a specialty, with the week’s selection often eagerly anticipated. For many summers in June and July, her family made pilgrimages to St. Simons Island for beach vacations, or to other regions of America to explore new locales and make memories together.

Frances’ life was blessed with longevity; she lived to see her family expand across three generations and the many fruits of her work and example. Even as age began to diminish her abilities, she continued to teach her family, whether with a word, smile, point or simple grasp of the hand. She was unmistakably Gaga to the end…we love you.

In addition to her parents, Frances was predeceased by five sisters (and spouses listed): Winona Elizabeth Edgar, Joyce Mau (George), Faye Stallings (Bill), Yvonne O’Brien (Tom), and Barbara O’Byrne (Fred). Frances is survived by her son William L. “Roy” Barrineau III (Jana) and daughter Debra J. Barrineau. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Lee Barrineau (Mary Brenna), Ross Barrineau (Jenny), Betsy Barrineau (all of Macon), Britt Messer (Nashville, TN), Caroline Messer (Warner Robins), and seven great grandchildren: Andy, Abel, Paisley, Bradley, Ethan, Avery, and Southerlyn. She also leaves a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins to whom she was deeply devoted.

The Barrineau family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Frances’ caregivers, Trina, Stephanie and Iva, as well as the staff of Pine Pointe Hospice, for the outstanding treatment and care she received.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Masonic Home of Georgia, The Methodist Home for Children & Youth, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, has charge of the arrangements.