Stone, Frances Pilcher went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven on April 6, 2013 at the North Florida Rehabilitation & Specialty Care, surrounded by her family.
Frances was born on September 10, 1924 to Walter and Mae Pilcher in Jacksonville, Florida. Frances lived in Jacksonville till 1967 when she moved to Gainesville due to her husband (Ralph) becoming sales manager at the Gainesville Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Frances was a very loyal and loving wife and mother and enjoyed being a homemaker with the gift of hospitality. She enjoyed gardening, craft projects, sewing, and cooking for her family. Her love for her family was only surpassed by her love for her Savior Jesus Christ. She was an active member of University Baptist Church and recently Westside Baptist Church where she enjoyed her Sunday School class and her many friends.
Frances was a long time member of the Gainesville Women’s Club and enjoyed the many friendships she made there. She was an avid Gator fan and enjoyed watching them play both in person and on TV. Being an accomplished entrepreneur , along with her husband Ralph they owned and operated the concession business at the NHRA Gainesville Raceway for many years.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband Ralph; her parents, Walter C. & Eula May Pilcher; three sisters, Voncile Wimberly, Thelma Fouraker, and Audrey Haney; and a brother, Jonny Pilcher. She is survived by her son, Craig Stone (Peggy); grandchildren, Evan C. Stone, Austin C. Stone, and Lauren Stone; all of Gainesville. She has one living brother, Walter C. Pilcher of Atlantic Beach, Florida and many adoring nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all of the caring staff of The North Florida Rehabilitation and Specialty Care facility for the love and care given to our mother during her stay there. We would also like to thank Haven Hospice for the wonderful care you give. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends of Children of North Central Florida at Friends of the children, P.O. Box 358502, Gainesville, Florida 32635 or on the website www.focncf.org .
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 12th and funeral services will be at 11:00 on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Ave., Gainesville, Florida. Graveside services will be immediately after the funeral at Forest Meadows Memorial Park Central on NW 39th Ave.
Click here to view the Life Tribute of Frances Stone.
Craig and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts with your family during this sad time. As you go through the greiving process, rejoice in the knowing that you were blessed to share a long and wonderful life with your mom. Acts 24:15 says that “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” We look forward to that time with you all. Deep sympathies.