Frances Owen Hockaday

Frances Owen Hockaday, aged 89, passed away suddenly on the afternoon of March 14, 2026. She was born in Angier, North Carolina to Charles and Myrtle Owen. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Benny R. Hockaday, and her step-sister, Joy Odom, and is survived by daughter Bonnie Dean and husband Joey, son Joe, and son Ben and his wife Betsy with their children, Meghan and Anna. Also surviving are brother-in-law Charles Odom and his children Michael and Sara.

Frances lived a full and active life as a wife, mother, and member of her church. She would always brighten your day in the way she really engaged with anyone she talked to. Her humility and kindness and genuine interest in everyone marked all her interactions with people.

She graduated from East Carolina in 1958 and taught in Harnett County Schools before her children were born.

An avid college sports fan, she was a lifetime member of the NC State Wolfpack Club and season ticket holder for basketball and football since the early 70’s. She attended many ACC tournaments. She proved she was no causal fan by watching every game in every session, no matter who was playing.

She was long time member of the Medfield Estates Bridge Club.

She travelled extensively through Europe, the Continental US, Canada, Hawaii and even Morocco with her husband and his brother Fred Hockaday and Fred’s wife Ruth.

She was a star on the Angier High School Basketball Team, once scoring 26 points in a game, and was voted Most Athletic Girl in her high school class.

She accompanied Bonnie and the Cary High School Band on their trip to Romania.

She and Benny had a regular restaurant rotation - Friday night dinners at Brothers Pizza (and later Cinelli’s), lunches at Ashworth’s, and meeting Anna at Red Dragon. Her latest ritual was Saturday afternoon lunch at Smithfield’s Chicken and Barbecue in Morrisville.

She was notorious for the “candy drawer” she kept at her house. It wasn’t just for the kids, either! She was a big fan of chocolate. She always had Tootsie Rolls and cinnamon jelly beans on hand, and she usually had a few fun size Snickers bars in the freezer.

When her husband Benny began to suffer from dementia and they moved to Springmoor she kept him with her as long as she could. When he finally went to the health center, she visited every single day. The staff nicknamed her “the faithful wife,” they were so impressed with her devotion.

That devotion to family marked her entire life. We will all miss her terribly.

A celebration of her life will be held at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Raleigh on Monday, March 23 at 12:30 PM, with the burial at Montlawn Cemetery immediately after. The family will receive friends at 11:30 AM that day at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Forest Hills Baptist Church. Condolences may be shared at www.brownwynnecary.com.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Hockaday family.