Harriette Frances "Fran" Cummings

Harriette Frances Cummings was born to Charles Rusk McKnight and Nina Ethel Thompson McKnight on July 20, 1916 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was one of four children and the only daughter. She spent her early childhood moving often as her father and older brothers followed construction work throughout the area. She lived in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and Colorado during this time. In 1938 as a young woman Fran moved to Kansas City, Missouri and began a long life in the area. Her first job in Kansas City was for the Crown Drug Company. In 1941 she secured employment with Kansas City Power & Light Company in the Accounting Department, a job she considered a dream come true. She remained there until her 1951 marriage to Seba Cummings, an Electrical Engineer at the company. Due to company policy at the time married couples were not allowed to be employed, so Fran moved on to work for the Kansas City Gas Company, also in the Accounting Department. She remained there for 26 years until her husband’s health began to fail; she then remained by his side until his death in November, 1977.

Fran married William V. Cummings, Jr. on May 21, 1991. He brought to the marriage five grown children and twelve grandchildren. Fran considered this readymade family a ‘blessing’ in her life. William passed away October 20, 1998.

Fran was a member of the One Spirit United Methodist Church. Fran was a Past Matron of Eastgate Chapter 367 Order of the Eastern Star and remained active in the Eastern Star until recent years. She was also a member of the White Shrine/Social Order of the Beauceant, Assembly 180, Kansas City, Missouri.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Bill McKnight, Charles McKnight and Joe McKnight. Also by one of her step-sons, Charles ‘Chuck’ Cummings and a great-granddaughter, Aurora Patience-Adele Beha, and great-grandson Brady James Evans. Fran often said she would sure be greeted by a crowd when she came to the Gate.

Fran is survived by four step-children: Billie Virginia Christian, San Leandro, California; Michael (Jeannette) Cummings, Laguna Niguel, California; Patrisha Cummings (widow of Chuck), Lacey, Washington; Richard (Alice) Cummings, Kanehoe, Hawaii; and Pamela (Billy) Brandenburg, Raytown, Missouri.

Also by twelve grandchildren: Brett Bammer, Todd Bammer, Christopher Bammer, Jason Cummings, Sarah Beha, Andrea Gemmell, Jeff Gemmell, Jenni Cummings, Alexandra Simmons, Sean Cummings, Will Cummings and Tyler Cummings.

Also twenty six great-grandchildren, Audrieana Bammer, Jonathan Bender, Alyssa Bender, Dylan Ream, MacKenzie Bammer, Emily Ream, Kayla Bender, Nathaniel Beha, DeLaney Bammer, Paxton Bammer, Riley Cummings, Mason Bammer, Alyssa Evans, Mariah Cummings, Victoria Beha, Allison Cummings, Nick Gemmell, Jeremiah Beha, Cheyenne Bammer, Kaitlynn Gemmell, Cassandra & Victoria Bammer, Will Bammer, Ryely Bammer, Elijah Beha and Ashlynn Evans.

Loving brother and sister-in-law, Larry & Melva Cummings and sisters-in-law, Maxine Hendren, Edith June Wiley, Joan Hillyard, Dixie Cummings and Delores Cummings, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Fran had many close friends who will miss her dearly.

Fran’s “kids” never considered her a step-mother. Her open heart and kind nature were irresistible. Fran had a brand of kindness that drew people to her naturally. The love she shared with Bill was amazing to witness. Although they married when they were in their Golden Years, their marriage had all the devotion, fun and hand holding of a starry-eyed first love. We were blessed to be a part of such a relationship.

The family would like to thank all the staff at John Knox Village Care Center. We save a special place in our hearts for Mary Lea and Walt Chadwick. They loved Fran so much and showed it every day. Fran always knew that Mary Lea or Walt separately or together would come peeping in her door on a regular basis not only to see to her needs, but to just sit and visit and be certain she always could feel she was still a part of the world.

Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. followed by funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.