Frances Watts Dobelstein

1925-2015

Frances Dobelstein transitioned peacefully to her eternal Heavenly home on October 20, 2015 following a long, age-related decline. She has now rejoined her parents, a sister Doris Watts Wilke, and her son Wayne. Family members celebrating her memory include her husband Elliott, son Eddie and wife Becky, granddaughter Amy, grandson Jayson and wife Jerri, great-grandchildren Isaiah, Micah, and Francie, two sisters Madalyne (Stanley) Deason and Peggy Black, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Frances was born in Birmingham, Alabama but lived in Pensacola, Florida most of her 89 plus years. She was a 1943 graduate of Pensacola High School. She spent her newlywed years in Birmingham, where Elliott completed pharmacy school, before returning to Pensacola. They moved back Birmingham in 2010 to be close to Eddie.

Frances’ entire life centered on her family and church. Her oldest memorabilia includes a promotion certificate from the Cradle Roll of First Baptist Church of Pensacola (FBCP) in 1929. She and Elliott taught in youth Training Union. Frances was a Sunday School teacher and leader in Vacation Bible School for several years. She participated in youth mission trips, adult and senior adult choirs and associated mission trips. The entire family was a part of the 1971 mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Frances worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful home for her “3 men” and to give of herself to the world around her.

After losing her son Wayne in 1971, Frances originated the idea of providing a near-life size outdoor Nativity set at FBCP in his memory and the family maintained it for 35 plus years. Even during the years following her devastating loss, while caring for her own mother, Frances provided strong lay-leadership in the home-bound ministry of the church, ending her participation only when she was almost home-bound herself.

In addition to family and church, as a young adult Frances worked at Western Union and the telephone company. She was a part of Pensacola Junior League and the Pharmacy Association Auxiliary. She worked for several years in the office at Workman Junior High. She and her sister developed an interest in Depression glass. She was a member and sometimes president of the Five Flags Depression Glass Club, traveled frequently to participate in “Glass Shows,” and they operated “The Little Shop” at Quayside Thieves Market on South Palafox for several years.

After moving to Birmingham in 2010, Frances and Elliott found a new church home at Lakeside Baptist where they participated in the choirs as long as they were able. Frances sang all of her life — it was her prayer language. In song as well as in constant giving, she communicated her faith and love to her family. Her legacy of faith and strength lives on.

Family will attend the interment at Bayview Memorial Cemetery in Pensacola on Saturday, October 24, 2015. All family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 1 p.m. in the Pleitz Chapel at First Baptist Church Pensacola immediately followed at 2 p.m. by a memorial celebration service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the International Mission Board, SBC or to Florida Baptist Children’s Home.