Frances Wickes, 92
Frances Mae Wickes was awarded her angel wings early Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Her final days were spent at her Simpsonville, SC home surrounded by family and her closest friends whose lives were enriched by Fran's memorable life.
Fran was born September 1926 in Roanoke, Virginia to Richard Franklin and Maggie Mae Elkins. They were the foundation for Fran's amazing love, cheerfulness, moral compass and devotion to the Lord. From her early life she had a deep passion for music. She studied piano during her high school years and later graduated with a degree in Music from Hollins College (now Hollins University). During her over 50 years teaching piano from her home, her students learned more than music from Fran. She never had to recruit students – they came by referral. Often the children she taught would send their children and sometimes this continued for three generations.
Fran married Robert E. (Bob) Wickes in June 1949 which began a life journey that lasted an amazing 68 years. Fran and Bob moved from Roanoke to Alta Vista to Lynchburg, to Pearisburg, Virginia, before moving to Charlotte, NC. Their next stop was Mobile, Ala., before Bob accepted a position with Phillips Fibers which brought them to Greenville, SC. They settled to their home in Simpsonville in 1988. In the years after Bob retired, they enjoyed traveling to Europe, Africa and South America. Their inspiring adventure together was put on hold when Bob passed away last September. And now it continues.
Fran is survived by her son, Jim Wickes, daughter, Robin Foster, and three cats; Clem, Mama and Poco. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 14, in the chapel of the Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC, beginning at 2:00 pm. The family will greet friends at the church on Wednesday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. The Wickes family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Fran's many close friends who helped with food and support during Fran's illness. They also thank the entire staff at Kindred Hospice, and especially the nurses, Lisa and Sandy, who took extraordinary care of Fran. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Fran's name to:
Daily Bread Ministries ------>
https://greersoupkitchen.com
Wounded Warrior Project -->
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043
Daily Bread Ministries, 521 E. Poinsett St., Greer, SC 29651, or
Wounded Warrior Project, (please visit the website to donate by check or credit card)