Frances Tompkins Whedbee, 103, passed away on August 25, 2023. She was born on January 3, 1920, in Bluefield, West Virginia to the late Frank H. and Katherine Kahle Jarrell. Frances attended Marshall University and graduated from Old Dominion University. She taught in Norfolk at Coleman Place and Granby Elementary Schools. Frances was a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church and a member of Norview Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years where she served as an Elder, teacher, circle leader and pianist. She received the Valiant Woman Award from Church Women United; she took pride in her church and civic volunteer work following her retirement.
Frances was predeceased by husbands, Julian J. Tompkins and James T. Whedbee; son, SSG David Tompkins US Army; brother, Kahle Jarrell; sister, Virginia Gillespie.
She is survived by her son, LTC Randolph J. Tompkins USA (Ret) (Christine); sister, Lois Crandell; 3 step-children, Ginny White (Eddie), Jake Whedbee (Wendy), and Phyllis Quire (Bill); 6 grandchildren, Ruth Mason, Rachel Williams, Keith White, K.C. Williams, Amy Evans, and Thomas Whedbee; and 8 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, from 5-7:00 pm, at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Calvin Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Operation Smile. You may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com
