Frances Mary Pender Evans

Frances Mary Pender Evans, a resident of Springmoor Retirement Community, died at WakeMed Hospital on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 of multiple, long-term health issues. Frances was born in Chesterfield, SC on October 2, 1932 to the late Alma Douglas Pender and Roffie H. Pender.

In December 1952, Frances served as Maid of Honor in the wedding of her sister, Barbara. Marshall Evans served as Best Man to the groom. Frances and Marshall met there and fell in love. They married June 6, 1953. To their union were born five children: Marshall Jr. (Debbie) of Bolivia, NC, David (Sam) of Washington, DC, Kenneth of Raleigh, Mary Evans Swan of Raleigh, Craig (Lisa) of Alexandria, VA; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Frances is also survived by her brother and his wife, David and Beverly Pender of Chapin, SC, and her sister Barbara Walton of Barnum, Minnesota as well as numerous nieces and nephews including David Pender Jr. (Shari) of Wake Forest. She was predeceased by her brother Douglas Pender and his wife, Turnice, of Blythewood, SC.

Born to be a wonderful wife and mother, Frances created a beautiful and gracious home for her husband and children. Her love for them and for her grandchildren was expressed in countless ways including being a disciplinary figure as needed. Her strong Christian faith was brought to bear as she endured many years of physical pain. Her hospitality, grace, warmth, beauty, and daily prayers were blessings to her family, friends, and all those she knew and met.

Together with Marshall, Frances was a long-time faithful member of First Baptist Church, Raleigh, and the John Hiott Fellowship Class. In the past few years those relationships have remained strong, but when they were no longer able to attend church, Frances and Marshall worshipped together each Sunday morning watching Hayes Barton Baptist Church on television.

A private interment will be held on Friday, March 17. A Memorial Service will be held in the Springmoor Auditorium, 1500 Sawmill Road, on Saturday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at a reception in the Springmoor Great Room following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully welcomes memorial gifts to the Springmoor Endowment Fund, 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.

The family would like to express thanks to Frances’ doctors and nurses at WakeMed as well as other caregiving professionals through the years.