Frances Stuart Bailey

Frances Arline Stuart Bailey stepped into Jesus’ arms at 5:22 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. She passed away, with her daughter Patty and son John by her side, at Bon Secours Hospice House in Bon Air, Virginia. Frances had been in poor health since October of last year. More than anything though, her physical body was just worn out. She had lived an incredible 103 years.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Rolen Conway Bailey; parents, Harry Grover Stuart and Edyth Gentry Stuart; daughter, Nancy Lou Bailey; and brother-in-law Walter Bradley. Frances is survived by her two children, daughter, Patty Bailey Spragg (Don), and son, John Stuart Bailey; grandchildren, Chase Bailey and Augusta B. White (Daniel), and Katie Spragg; great grandchildren Tom Spragg, Matt and Joe Zolnai; sister-in-law Kathryn Bradley; nieces Kay Bradley, Terri Farmer (Berkwood), Bradley Farmer, and Parker Bradley; and nephews, Lee Bradley (Bromby) and Kole Bradley; several cousins; and her grand-dog golden retriever, Gipper.

Frances was born May 12, 1923, in Richmond, Virginia. Her ‘growing up years’ (1930-1941) were spent living in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a graduate of Manual Training High School; Mars Hill College; Westhampton College, University of Richmond; and the W.M.U. Training School, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Religious Education Degree. Frances worked at the telephone company before going to college. After completing seminary work, she served as the first Baptist Student Union Director of the Richmond Professional Institute and the Nursing Schools connected with hospitals in downtown Richmond, VA, now known as VCU. Frances enjoyed being a wedding director for over 200 weddings. As a preacher’s wife she & her husband, Rolen, were a ministry team that lasted their entire 61 year marriage. She was active in all phases of Women’s Missionary Union; taught mission studies and spoke at mission conferences; lead prayer retreats; active in senior adult ministries; led mission trips to Vermont & Pennsylvania/South Jersey; teacher of Sunday School for all ages; choir member; ordained & served as a Deacon; served in several ministries of Baptist denominational work in Roanoke & Richmond, VA; served on several committees of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Frances was a mentor to many students and helped them to find their path in life.

Frances enjoyed crocheting, knitting, collecting postcards & turtles, reading, photography, traveling and playing the piano & the mandolin. She had a love of baseball and followed the Brooklyn Dodgers all the way to L.A. Through the years Frances was also fondly known by her nickname, Stukie!

We love you Mom and know that you are healed. We know that you are with Jesus, Dad, and the many other saints that have gone before. Hallelujah! We all miss you, but we look forward to seeing you again, at The House! Amen

Visitation with the family will be held at Woody Funeral Home at 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, Virginia 23113, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026 (the same day as her husband’s took place in July 2013) at 10:30 a.m. at Huguenot Road Baptist Church, located at 10525 W Huguenot Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23235. (The service will be live-streamed on YouTube under Huguenot Road Baptist Church.) A time of visitation and fellowship will also take place at the Church, immediately following the service.

Interment Service will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery at approximately 1:30 p.m., located at 4000 Pilots Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23222.

If you would like to make a donation in Frances’ honor, please consider a direct donation to either Huguenot Road Baptist Church or Bon Secours Community Hospice House of Richmond.

Huguenot Road Baptist Church

10525 W Huguenot Road

North Chesterfield, Virginia 23235

Hospice - Give BSMH

Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation Office

920 Libbie Avenue, Suite 100

Richmond, Virginia 23226

(804) 287-7700 (Please designate Hospice House)