Frances Elizabeth Pea’-Lewis of Hope Arkansas transitioned to glory the evening of March 9, 2020 at the age of 84. She departed comfortably at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital, Texarkana, Texas.
Frances was born September 2, 1935 in Hempstead County, Washington, Arkansas. She was the youngest daughter of the late Forcee White of Oakland, California and the late Flossie Lee Bailey of Niagara Falls New York.
Frances was brought up in a very Christian loving environment and became a Born Again Christian in 1978. She embodied the fruits of the spirits and was welcoming to all. With the beginning roots in Washington County, the family moved from Arkansas, Ohio to Niagara Falls, New York. Once the family settled in Niagara Falls, Frances later ventured out to California to start her life. Frances was known for her missionary work, “Touching Lives for Jesus Christ”. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Niagara Falls New York, where she sang alongside her Mother Flossie in the choir. You could hear her singing everywhere she went.
Frances was an activist for Civil Rights in the early 60's and 70's. She was one of many who worked for integration in the Niagara County School System in Niagara Falls, New York. Frances was also active in the Love Canal Environmental Disaster that affected her home, children's environment and the Griffon Manor Community of La Salle. She organized rallies, marches, went door-to-door keeping those in the Manor informed. By 1978 the Love Canal had become a national media event "a public health bomb" and many were relocated. By 1980 Frances and her youngest son Terrance where re-located to Hope, Arkansas. She spent the last 40 years in her homeland. Frances was affiliated with various churches throughout Hope and Old Washington, Arkansas. Her services were also utilized by volunteering for the Washington County Archives Association. She was a Member of Women of Hope-charitable organization, Women's AGLOW Fellowship, Volunteer for HABITAT for Humanity, and in 1991 a Personal Care Aide for the Arkansas Department of Health. She volunteered for a host of church and community events throughout the years.
Frances loved GOD, spreading the love of Jesus, and singing the Gospel. No matter where she went, she had a smile that would light up a room. Frances had a loving heart; especially for the young ones, always first to listen and give them Godly advice.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents Forcee White of Oakland, CA and Henry C. and Flossie Lee Bailey of Niagara Falls, New York; her siblings Ruby Fullmore-Harper of Oakland, Glenn White of Niagara Falls, New York and Benny Ray White of Houston, Texas.
Widower preceded in death by David Madison Sr., Louis Franklin Pea` and Oscar Willie Lewis.
Surviving is her eldest sister Floydell Archie of Niagara Falls, New York. Children David Madison Jr. III and Wife Barbara of Muncie, Indiana, Daphne L. Pea` of Los Angeles, California, Denise F. Pea`-Parker and Husband Artis of Sacramento, California, Gregory L. Pea` of Hope, Arkansas and Terrance Shea Lewis of Niagara Falls, New York.Frances adoringly leaves behind 19 Grandchildren, 35 Great-grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial service will be at First Baptist Church of Hope, 315 South Main Street, Hope, Arkansas 71801 Friday March 27, 2020 at 2:00 P.M, (870) 777-5757, Pastor Daniel Bramlett. Flowers may be sent to the church. Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home. (870)777-8674