Frances Louise Counselman

Frances Louise Counselman, a beloved member of the Huntsville community, passed away on March 8, 2023, at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 15, 1933, in Citronelle, Alabama, Frances was the daughter of Willie and Claudie Carpenter and grew up with her 11 siblings, including Freddie, Buddy, Sonny, Donnie, Trudy, Terry, Voncile, Merlene, Carol Faye, Patsy, and Janice. Frances attended college at Howard College before beginning her first job with the Air Force at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, where she met her future husband, Sidney Counselman. After several years in Mobile, Frances and Sidney moved to Huntsville in 1966. Frances dedicated herself to raising her four children, Kevin, Karen, Kathy, and Kristi, as a homemaker. She also worked for Sears contract sales once all the children were in school. Frances was a long-time member of the Memorial Parkway Church of Christ which later became Chase Park Church of Christ. She was known for her spunky personality and sense of humor, and her family and friends will always remember her fondly. She loved to cook, sew, sing, help at church, attend the Senior Bible class and participate in birthday lunches with her lifelong lady friends. She also enjoyed bowling in a ladies league. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved to attend events where her children and grandchildren participated; sports, plays, graduations, and weddings. Frances is survived by her children, Kevin Counselman (Nanette) of St. Petersburg, FL, Karen Counselman Mayhew (Don), Kathy Counselman Mussleman (Gary), and Kristi Counselman Smith (Kevin), all of Huntsville, AL. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Conor Counselman, Marshal Mayhew, Madison Mayhew (Jeremiah) , Mallory Mayhew, Dustin Allison (Ashlyn), Chandler Mussleman (Joanna), Dylan Mussleman (Julianne), Zac Smith (Courtney), and Carson Smith (Sydney). She had two beloved great grandsons, Asher Sidney Allison, and Graham Thomas Allison. Mom had a wonderful caregiver for the last three years, Dee Reynolds. She took amazing care of her, and loved her deeply. A funeral service to celebrate Frances's life will be held at the Valhalla Funeral Home on Sunday, March 12, with visitation from 1:00-2:00, and a funeral service at 2:00. Friends and family are welcome to attend. We ask all who attend to wear bright colors to celebrate the beauty of her life. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Counselman family.