Frances Taylor King

Frances was born in Lynchburg, VA on October 1, 1939, the only child of Ernest Moore Taylor and Helen Robertson Taylor. She grew up in Lynchburg with her parents and an extensive family of cousins, aunts, uncles and many lifelong friends. Frances' mother, Helen, died when she was 13. Upon her father's remarriage, she was blessed with a loving stepmother, Dorothy Henson Taylor, and stepsister, Sally Spencer Sword.

Frances was educated in the public schools of Lynchburg before attending Stuart Hall in Staunton, VA for high school. She attended Salem College where she formed friendships with her "Salem Girls" which remained strong until her death and brought her a lifetime of love, laughter and joy.

On January 23, 1960, Frances married R. Robert Herndon King of Raleigh, who she met while she was at Salem and Bob was a student at Davidson College. After fulfillment of Bob's military commitment, they settled in Raleigh where they raised their family and Frances became a fixture in her adopted hometown. Frances was active in the lives of her children and supported them in their many activities. She was a member of the Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, a founding member of the Capitol City Garden Club, a member of the Junior League of Raleigh and a number of social clubs including Lamplighters and St Christophers.

As her children reached young adulthood, Frances embarked on a successful career as a retail merchant. What began as a small space selling stationery inside Henry J. Young Jewelers at North Hills Mall, became a popular institution of its own. For 20 years, "Frances T. King Stationery" served the needs of Raleigh and Eastern North Carolina and Frances spent countless hours helping hostesses, brides-to-be and families with their stationery and gift needs. For many years, she enjoyed hosting family and friends at a second home on Bald Head Island.

Upon selling her business in 2000, Frances played an active role in the lives of her children and their spouses, grandchildren and many friends. Frances was an accomplished bridge player and took great joy in the time spent, and cherished friends made, around the bridge table.

Frances was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepmother, husband, stepsister and a granddaughter, Katherine Robertson King. She is survived by her children, Charles Taylor King and his wife, Dede, of Spartanburg, SC, Helen King Blasch and her husband, Eric, of Richmond, VA, and Frances King Kerr, and her husband, Jim, of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by her grandchildren Agnes Perrow King, Robert Connors King, Charlotte Palmer King, Ava Taylor Blasch, James Yancey Kerr, III, Helen Edgerton Kerr and numerous nieces and nephews.

Following a private burial service at Oakwood Cemetery, there will be a memorial service at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC . The Family will receive visitors at the Carolina Country Club immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Healing Transitions Endowment, 1251 Goode Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. , NC.