Frances May Story

Frances is survived by her children, Marc (Shirley) McDermott, Michael (Nancy) McDermott, Jeanette McDermott, and Brian McDermott; 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Rae (Jim) Bair; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Glenn Thomas and Catherine Elizabeth DuBray; son, David McDermott; siblings, Martha Elam, Edna “Pet” Baker, and Glenn Robert DuBray; and former husbands, Donald S. McDermott and William Story.

Frances was a farmer’s daughter who was born and raised in rural Laddonia, Missouri. She left Laddonia, after high school, and took a job in Jefferson City, where she met her husband, Donald “Mac” McDermott. The couple eventually moved to St. Louis City and then relocated to St. Ann, to raise their children in northwest St. Louis County. Frances worked as a Deputy Collector for St. Ann City Hall for more than 30 years, before retiring in 1997.

Frances was a born-again Christian and devout follower of Jesus Christ. She faithfully attended First Baptist Church of St. Ann and frequently visited United Fellowship Baptist Church in Bridgeton. Frances loved playing the piano and filled in as a pianist when called upon at the churches she attended.

Frances was highly sociable and enjoyed caring for babies and toddlers as a volunteer with the First Baptist Church of St. John’s “Mother’s Day Out” program. She also enjoyed outings with the Red Hat Society and St. Ann Golden Club. She was an avid gardener and enthusiastic walker. She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends to exotic lands like China, Ireland, Germany, and Mexico, as well as domestic locales as diverse as Branson and Alaska. She especially enjoyed traveling by cruise ship.

Frances gained great pleasure in listening to gospel and country music, eating Mexican food, and watching first-run movies on the cinematic screen. However, her most cherished moments were those spent with her family, especially her great grandchildren, who lovingly called her “GG” (short for Great Grandma). Frances was known for her good humor, adventurous spirit and loving nature. She had a long history of housing those who needed a place to live. She didn’t know a stranger and stood out in a crowd. Everyone who knew and loved her will miss her deeply.

Memorial donations may be made in Frances’ name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (Please be sure to indicate Frances' Memorial ID number when making your donation. That ID number is 11101422)