Frances Womble

Frances M. Womble was born to Ellsworth and Cornelia George on August 24, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was one of five children—Elsworth, Louise, Florence, Frances and Betty—growing up on the city’s West Side. Her father worked at Midtown Theater, and as a youngster, Frances occasionally helped him with cleaning and with other chores. Coming of age during the Great Depression, Frances learned by example what it meant to work hard for the well-being of family.

Residing on Delony Street, Gold Avenue, and then Lane Avenue, on the West Side, Frances attended her neighborhood schools: Straight Street Elementary and Union High School. Her childhood and teenage years were filled with friends and the fun that came with being a Tom Boy. She played baseball with the guys, raced around on roller skates and ice skates, and hopped off to the movies with her friends.

During her working career, Frances was first employed at Kresge’s dime store in downtown Grand Rapids. Later she held factory jobs, but for the most part, Frances earned her living as a housekeeper at St. Mary’s Hospital and provided for her family of three children: Harry, Cynthia and John. They made their home on Watson, Lexington and California Streets, all on the northwest side of Grand Rapids.

For all her years, Frances was a West Sider, building a home that was grounded in faith, family and friendships. She attended Second Baptist Church for a number of years, read her Bible faithfully and prayed often for everyone she knew.

Frances’ home was a place of comfort with mealtime favorites such as goulash, chili and, best of all, her chicken. She liked to settle into an evening of Westerns on cable TV and “Law and Order” or any other detective show. She enjoyed playing bingo and joining the fast pace of Las Vegas for the occasional visit. Most of all, Frances loved being with her grandchildren, and oftentimes she babysat for them. She was completely dedicated to her family out of her love for them and for God.

For several years, Frances suffered from kidney problems, but it was a heart attack that put her into Butterworth Hospital on Monday, April 30, 2012. Sadly, her health only declined, and she died Saturday May 5, 2012 at 1:35 AM with her family at her side.

Mrs. Frances M. Womble, aged 89 of Grand Rapids, Michigan is survived by her children; Harry Womble, Cynthia Womble, John (Marge) Womble; 3 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. A service to celebrate Frances’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. To sign her guest book or leave a memory, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com