Frances S Killingsworth

Frances Lewis Smith Killingsworth died in Birmingham on February 19, 2014, at the age of 94. Frances was born on May 15, 1919, in Alexandria, Alabama, to John Marion Smith and Rosa Phifer Smith. The family moved to Birmingham five years later, accompanied by Frances's beloved granddaddy, Methodist minister Ruben Phifer. She graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1936, and attended both Birmingham-Southern College and Howard College (now Samford University). In 1940, she married William Robert Killingsworth, Sr., who had first noticed her in the East Lake United Methodist Church choir and vowed to marry her. So began a true partnership that lasted until Bob's death. Long before the social sciences term "egalitarian marriage" came into use, Frances and Bob embodied the concept. They both had their own careers, supporting each other's work, and sharing equally in the rearing of their children. They moved from Birmingham to California, where Bob was stationed at the beginning of World War II. Bob served his country in the U.S. Navy and Frances did her part, working on the Naval Base in the accounting department. On the weekends, they sang together in the choir at the Methodist Church in Corona, California. Upon returning to Birmingham, they settled back in South East Lake, where they became true pillars of that community. Frances had dual, simultaneous careers. To hundreds of East Lake and Roebuck children, she was "Miss Frances", teaching five-year-old kindergarteners. The Jack and Jill School operated from 1954 to 1972. In addition to teaching, she spent 14 years as the director of the children and youth choirs at East Lake United Methodist Church, one year as interim director of music at Ruhama Baptist Church, 21 years as director of music at Woodlawn United Methodist Church, and then over 10 years as director of the seniors' choir (the Trinity Singers) at Trinity United Methodist Church, finally retiring at the age of 90. For her years of service, she was consecrated as diaconal minister in 1975 by the United Methodist Church. At the time of that honor, she had given 25 years of service, but she continued her music ministry for another 34 years. Frances was predeceased by her parents, and her dear husband of 64 years. She is survived by her two children, Kay Frances Killingsworth Bains (Lee) of Birmingham, and William Robert Killingsworth, Jr. (Susan) of Madison. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Nathan Jefferson Riddle (Lorie) of New York City, Warren Killingsworth Riddle (Shelby) of Birmingham, Sarah Caryn Killingsworth (John Holzwarth) of Greenbrae, California, William Robert Killingsworth, III of Leverett, Massachusetts, Lee Edmundson Bains, III, of Birmingham, and John Robert Bains (Kelly) of Dallas, Texas. Her great-grandchildren are Lucille Elizabeth Riddle, Colin Robert Holzwarth, Sean Francis Holzwarth, Quinton Clay Riddle, and Eliza Frances Riddle. Everyone who knew Frances Killingsworth is aware that she trusted that she would reunite in God's heaven with her husband, Bob, who has been waiting for her since his death 10 years ago. In the hearts of those who love her still, we can hear again their sweet duets, her rich alto and his clear tenor. Any and all successes of those she leaves behind are the direct results of the love, compassion, and encouragement of Frances and Bob. Funeral services for Frances Killingsworth will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood. Visitation with the family will be 45 minutes before the service, in the Church parlor. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, The Women's Fund of Greater Birmingham, or a charity of your choice.