Her parents preceded her in death. Frances graduated from Beaumont High School in June 1962 and enlisted in the Army September 11, 1962. She served three years at Fort Myer, Virginia and was honorably discharged October 10, 1965.
Her career working as Secretary for Mount Calvary Lutheran Church and Centennial Christian Church. Later, she was a civilian employee for the Air National Guard at 9700 Page Boulevard. She later retired from this position - July 21, 1996.
Frederick and Frances married November 26, 1965, in St. Louis, Missouri. To this union were born three children: Michelle Darby, who preceded her in death in 1966; Angela Francine Darby; and Kevin Frederick Sterling Darby, who also preceded her in death in 2023.
Frances’ passion was repotting plants in her home greenhouse. She liked to travel and went on at least four cruises. She also liked to ride bikes; read; listen to music; and visit plant nurseries after church. Her favorite artists were Johnny Mathis, Bruno Mars, and Andrea Bocelli. She enjoyed Sunday drives on the Great River Road between Alton and Grafton, Illinois where she and Fred enjoyed camping and bike riding.
She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Pagedale, MO for over 40 years. While she enjoyed romance novels, she also loved to read her Bible. Her favorite Bible verses were Psalms 46:10, “Be still and know that I am GOD. I will be exalted among the heathen. I will be exalted in the earth,” and Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all thine own understanding"; and Psalm 23.
Frances had a generous and giving spirit. She was always willing to donate time, money and experience. She used her talents to help create a better world. She was charitable and enjoyed nurturing not only her family and friends, but plants and flowers. She was a loving wife and mother to her immediate family but also to her God-children.
On Monday, July 15, 2024, the Lord called Frances home. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Frederick; her daughter, Angela Darby; her grandsons, Malik Ewing and Keion Ammarrion Darby; her Bonus Sister, Cynthia (Dennis) Anderson; Sister-in-laws: Montaray Darby, Albertina James, and Judith (Jermel) Brantley; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
When it seemed that our loss was too great to bear, we looked up and our family and friends were there, with love through calls, emails and texts; with faces smiling and hearts opened. The family of Frances V. Darby cannot adequately express their gratitude with mere words but offer a heartfelt “THANK YOU” for your kindness during our bereavement.
To all of you, we are most appreciative.
Please keep us in your prayers and know we are forever grateful for your love, care, support and friendship.
A special thanks to the wonderful staff at NHC Healthcare in Maryland Heights, MO for the compassionate care provided to Frances.
Please leave a fond memory of Frances for her family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.
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