Frances Kelley Babcock

Frances Kelley Babcock, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, died Friday, August 7, 2015, in the comforting grip of her husband, her son, and the caring hands of West Jefferson General Hospital. She is survived by her husband Eric Louis Babcock, her eternally uplifting companion and her solid ground; her son and fellow artist David Rhodes Wilson; her grandchildren Kathleen McFaull Rogers Wilson and Thaddeus Graves Wilson; her daughter-in-law Rebecca Olavarrieta Wilson and granddaughter Harper June Wilson; as well as her step-son Derek Louis Babcock, the Wilson Family, the Babcock Family, the Olavarrieta Family, the Rogers Family, and her many close, supportive friends. Frances was preceded in death by her son, Robert Jefferson Wilson. Frances was born on April 19, 1948 in Panama City, FL to Jefferson Thomas and Cornelia McNair Kelley. She spent many summers in Lauderdale, MS at her “Aunt T’s” playing with Raggedy Ann, growing into a remarkable Carrom player and an avid reader. She grew up in Tallahassee FL where she graduated from Leon HS. Her family later moved to Lakeland FL. A lifelong lover of art, Frances moved to Mississippi and received her BFA from MSCW known as “The W” in Columbus, MS in 1970 and became a Master of Fine Arts at William Carey in 1999. While pursuing ceramics at William Carey, Frances formed a bond with friends that would become known as the Stoneware Roses. She loved watercolor painting outdoors and in studio. Frances shared her passion for the arts with children and adults in kind. She served both special education programs and gifted and talented visual arts programs beginning with Ellender MHS and continuing with Grace King HS. Upon retirement she began a private tutoring practice for students and adults desiring ongoing education in the Visual Arts, including painting and jewelry arts. She kept her own craft sharp as a member of the West Bank Art Guild and with the assistance of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts. From dinners, films, and playtime with Kate, Thad, and Harper to hosting annual gatherings with family and friends, Frances was the picture of southern hospitality and generosity. Frances also brought this spirit abroad. This was most expressed through Christian mission. As an Aurora United Methodist Church Summer Youth Counselor, Frances and her husband Eric assisted with soup kitchens, home repair, and providing wheelchair access, which helped families across the country. ...how much she is missed... Relatives and friends are invited for visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 9am. Memorial Service in Chapel to commence at 11am. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery near Cherry and Latenier row. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.