Frances Lee White was born on September 5, 1937, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Cordie Lee Clemons and George Nolan Obey. As an only child, Frances was raised in Norfolk, where she developed the faith, strength, and devotion to family that would guide her throughout her life. On September 26, 2026, at the age of 89, Frances peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a family and community forever touched by her presence.

Frances spent her early years in Norfolk before later making her home in the Providence Square area of Chesapeake, Virginia. Throughout her life, she was a woman of strength, dignity, faith, and unmistakable presence. In her younger years, Frances was vocal, expressive, and never afraid to speak her mind. Those who knew her knew they would always hear her honest opinions. As she grew older, she became quieter and more reserved, but she never lost her wit or her ability to make her presence known. Whether she was speaking her mind or sitting among those she loved and offering a clever remark at just the right moment, Frances had a way of making people take notice.

Her faith was an important part of who she was. Frances grew up attending Queen Street Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in many capacities throughout the years. She served as a deaconess, sang in the choir, ushered, and worked with the young people’s ministry. Her ministry extended beyond the walls of the church, as she opened her home to neighborhood youth and welcomed them in for Bible study. She was loved, respected, and honored by many within her church community.

In her later years, Frances attended Reaching the Nations Ministries – House of Triumph alongside her daughter and granddaughter. Even as her physical strength declined, her connection to prayer remained evident. Her family witnessed times when she appeared weak and weary, yet prayer often seemed to renew her spirit and give her strength. Her faith remained a meaningful part of her life until the end.

Frances was also a hardworking woman. She dedicated approximately 25 years of service to Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) as a bus driver before retiring. Through her work, she became part of the daily lives of countless people throughout Hampton Roads while demonstrating the independence, determination, and strength that characterized her life.

Outside of work and church, Frances enjoyed traveling with friends, fashion, cooking, and spending time with those she loved. She took pride in her appearance and possessed a timeless sense of style. She especially enjoyed preparing food for her family, and no meal was quite complete for Frances without a piece of bread on the side.

Family was at the center of Frances’s heart. More than simply having a family, she wanted her family to be together. Even when everyone was already close, she wanted them to be closer. She treasured gatherings, meaningful connections, and seeing the people she loved share life with one another. Her desire for unity became one of the defining expressions of her love.

During her later years, while being lovingly cared for by her daughter, Frances also developed a special affection for Lola and Baby, the family’s dogs. They became her companions and brought an additional source of comfort and joy into her life.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Cordie Lee Clemons and George Nolan Obey, and her beloved sons, Raphael Phillip Jones and Robert Lee White Jr.

Left to carry forward her memory and cherish the love she gave them are her children, Henry Raymond Jones Jr. and Francine Leola Hardy; her son-in-law, Wendell Hardy; her grandchildren, Rasheed Jones, Raymond Jones, Antonio Hardy, Christopher Hardy, Brandon Hardy, and Elisa Vandiver; as well as her great-grandchildren, extended family members, church family, friends, and loved ones whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

Frances Lee White leaves behind more than memories. She leaves a legacy of faith, strength, beauty, service, prayer, and family.

Her family will remember her unmistakable personality, the way she carried herself, the meals she prepared, the prayers that strengthened her, the church she faithfully served, the young people she welcomed into her home, the trips she enjoyed, the style she carried so naturally, her wit that remained with her through the years, and that ever-present piece of bread beside her plate.

Most of all, they will remember her desire to see her family together.

Though Frances is no longer physically seated among those she loved, what she valued continues through them. Every gathering, shared meal, prayer, act of service, and effort to keep the family connected carries forward something that mattered deeply to her.

Her voice may have softened with the years, but her presence never did.

Her life was full, her faith was steadfast, and her legacy will continue through the generations who lovingly called her Mom, Grandma Frances, BigMa, family, and friend.