Frances Alicia Abernathy, first born daughter of her parents
Frank Charles Willis and Alicia Allen was born on September 8, 1928. Raised in Nashville Tennessee with three sisters, Theresa, Rosemary and her late sister Bernadette she was lovingly called “Frankie” by her family.
Frances attended Immaculate Mother High School where she finished top in her class of 1947! Prior to finishing school, she met Robert L. Abernathy Sr. whom she married on December 16,1947. Robert served in the Army Air Corp., Air Force, World War II, The Korean War as well as the Vietnam War. Proceeded by her husband Robert L. Abernathy Sr. who died in November 1992 and their son David Alan Abernathy who died in April 1971. Beginning a family in 1950, Frances and Robert are survived by 10 of their 11 children who currently reside:
Carlynn Denise, Eugene Oregon, Eric Vincent, Dover Delaware, Marcia Michele, Corsicana Texas, David Allan, (deceased), Janet Adrienne, Clayton Delaware, Katherine Frances, Atlanta Georgia, Kathleen Theresa, Atlanta Georgia, Steven Randall, Clayton Delaware, Paul Jeffrey and Dorinda Annette, Magnolia Delaware, Robin Alison, Baltimore Maryland, and Robert Lee Abernathy Jr. Clayton, Delaware.
Blessed and survived by 39 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren.
Frances was a member of St. Polycarp’s Church in Smyrna Delaware for 47 years. She was a member of the Parrish Council and The Sodality Committee. She worked at St. Joseph’s in Clayton for 25 years preparing meals for the Josephite Order. Her personal ministry included writing encouraging letters and prayers to her children, neighbors and fellow parishioners since 1980.
Everyone who knew Frances listened as she lived the history of America through her life. Her faith in God and her commitment to His Word was demonstrated in her live and influenced everyone who knew her.
She will be truly missed by Family, friends, neighbors and parishioners.