Frances Knox's Obituary
Note service time change due to the weather. ***
Frances Ann Chapman Knox (85) of Davidson NC passed away on December 26, 2024. Frances was born on August 1, 1939, in Charlotte NC to the late TC and Jo Chapman. She was married for 63 years to her loving husband, Ray Knox, who predeceased her in September 2021.
Frances was a 1957 graduate of North Mecklenburg High School, where she was the school’s first female in the drafting program and also voted Miss North Mecklenburg. She and Ray married in 1958.
After graduating from UNC, Ray’s career led them to Cheraw, Burlington, Mooresville, Charlotte and Davidson. Along the way, she worked as a drafter for Southern Bell and Honeywell. Later in life, she took pride in telling stories of being a woman in a man’s field. However, her greatest time and efforts were invested in family. She loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews and neighbors.
Frances shared her talents with family, friends and the community. From designing logos and illustrations to sewing costumes, baking cookies and hand-making birthday cards, she was a sweet soul, extraordinary homemaker and could feed a crowd.
As a dedicated member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, she received the Presbyterian Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her faithful service and ministry. Frances shared her gift of hospitality with numerous families over the years by coordinating and preparing countless casseroles, baked goods and meals for those grieving. She was humble, quick-witted, a tireless helper and was sustained by a deep and abiding faith. She prayed on behalf of so many in her life.
Frances is survived by sons Gary (Sharon) Knox and Steve (Paige) Knox and daughter Karen (Chip) Fesperman; sister Becky (Richard) Wilson; and Brother-in-law Eddie (Frances) Knox; seven grandchildren: Tabitha (Jeff) Haug, Chandler (Ally) Knox, Kenzie (Jake) Rigsbee, Olivia (Brandon) Crotteau, Jay Fesperman, Tiffany Knox and Rebecca Fesperman; ten great grandchildren; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank numerous caregivers and staff at The Pines for the loving care she received as she navigated dementia in her later years. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 12 at 3PM at Bethel Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow in the family life center. Note service time change due to the weather. ***
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 19920 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius, NC 28031.
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