Frances Wilcox

Frances Polmateer Wilcox, 95, passed away in Catlett, VA on Sunday, December 7, 2025. She is survived by her daughter, Sara Wilcox Poe and husband, W. Larry Poe; daughter, Rebecca Wilcox Glover and husband, Kevin Glover; son David Wilcox and wife, Jeanne Guinard Wilcox; daughter, Carol Wilcox Shenk Beahm and husband Chester Beahm; son, Daniel Wilcox and wife, Ruth Wagner Wilcox; son, Timothy Wilcox and wife, Ann Short Wilcox; grandchildren, David, Jonathan, Jeremy, and Nathan Poe, and Megan Poe Rice; Christopher Glover and Lauren Glover Stetson; Sarah Wilcox Kinz, Rachel Wilcox, and Julia Wilcox Barringer; Nathan, Isaac, Hannah, Timothy, Micah, John, and Josiah Beahm; Jacob, Justin, and James Shenk, and Allison Shenk Fuller; Timothy, Hannah Bayardo Wilcox, Alexandra, Chloe, and Ian Wilcox; and Emma, Seth, Leighann, and Danielle Wilcox; 60 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Frances was born in Asheville, NC on September 30, 1930, the second of three children to Earl Polmateer and Emma (James) Polmateer. In 1938, she moved to Washington D.C. along with her parents and sisters, Earlene and Carolyn. She graduated from Wilson Teachers College in 1952 and married James (Jim) Wilcox on May 29, 1952. From 1952-1954, she taught first grade for the Washington DC Public Schools. Eventually they moved to Highland, MD and lived there for 57 years. They were members of Ashton Baptist Church for approximately 30 years where she served in many capacities including church historian. In the early 90's, they joined the Church at Covenant Park. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School, attending ladies' Bible studies and serving in the church nursery alongside her husband, Jim. She devoted countless hours to traveling and researching family history and genealogy. Her deep love of family was evident in the large family gatherings she hosted. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, quilting, and sewing for her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her handmade quilts and knitted sweaters remain cherished family treasures.

She and Jim resided at their home in Highland, MD until his death in 2019, when she went to live with her daughter, Sara (Sally), and son-in-law, Larry, in Catlett, VA.

A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date.