Mary Frances Stroud nee Helms, Fairview Heights, formerly Gainesville, Florida, entered this earth on June 2, 1928 and left to claim our Lord’s promise of everlasting life on September 2, 2018. Her life was a testament to her tremendous faith and her unconditional love for her family. Throughout her life, Frances maintained a kind and warm demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. She was a steel magnolia, a gracious and gentle soul, but fiercely loyal to her Lord and her family.
She was born in Geneva, Alabama, the daughter of HB and Lucille Helms, Frances attended the University of Florida where she received a degree in Religion and History. She never lost her love for her Florida Gators and remained a loyal fan throughout her life. Frances was instrumental in starting the first chapter of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority at the University of Florida, serving as their first chapter President. She remained active and again started a new chapter at what was then Mankato State in Mankato, Minnesota and served as the Alumni Advisor.
After spending time teaching for the Florida Baptist Convention in backwoods churches throughout rural Florida, she married and began her career as the greatest mom ever to 3 daughters.
John W. Stroud and Frances were married June 12, 1951 at the Baptist Student Union in Gainesville, Florida and went on to have daughters Mary Kathryn, Elizabeth Ann and Margaret Frances.
Frances was preceded in death by her love of over 62 years, John, her parents Harlie B. and Lucille, her brother and sister-in-law, Sonny and Cody Helms, and brother Hugh W. Helms, her grandson, Sean M. Rose, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Roslyn and A.J. Stroud, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ben and Carolyn Stroud.
Frances is survived by daughters Kathy and Jim Painter, Beth and Tim Tucker and Maggie McClane ; sister-in-law, Lucia Helms, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George and Barbara Stroud, grandchildren Erik Painter and Blair Barkley, Josh Vick, Jason Vick, Kelly Rose, Angie Vick, and Robin Vick . Great-grandchildren Caleb Vick, Carter Rose, Keegan Rose, Kaylee Vick; Allyson Vick, all her nieces and nephews and many others who loved and admired her.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday September 7, 2018 at Lake View Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral Service will be held at 10 am on Saturday September 8, 2017 at Lake View Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, IL.
Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
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