Obituary of Frances Allen

Long-time Florida resident Frances Stewart Allen, 87, passed away on Sept. 23, in Salem, Virginia after living with cancer for five years. On her final day, she was surrounded by love, music, laughter, prayers, and joy. Frances was born January 31, 1924, "on the hill" in Fernandina Beach, FL to the Honorable James Bailey and Margaret Stewart. She had three siblings: Margaret Stewart McNally, Gloria Stewart Pikula, and Dr. James Bailey Stewart, DDS. The love of her life was Richard James Allen and in past years, they enjoyed traveling together and spending time with family and dear friends. Though Frances and Jim lived in Ohio, Washington, Utah, Nebraska, Oregon, Missouri, and Virginia, her heart never wandered far from her beloved Fernandina Beach. After graduating from Fernandina High School, Frances was employed by Rayonier Inc., and met future husband Jim while he was working as a civil engineer in Georgia. Happily married in 1953, they later had one daughter, Margaret Allen Courtney, who is employed as a Music Educator with Botetourt County Public Schools. Frances was a living miracle, having suffered a severe brain aneurysm in 1971. Re-learning how to speak, write, read, walk, talk, and drive all over again, she lived on to enjoy a full and meaningful life. Four years ago, she and Jim moved to Roanoke to be closer to Margaret and son-in-law, Carlton Courtney. Together, they lived at the Roanoke United Methodist Home before moving to Emeritus @ Ridgewood Gardens in Salem. Frances is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jim, daughter Margaret, and son-in-law, Carlton Courtney. Margaret wishes to give special thanks to Gentle Shepherd Hospice and to Emeritus @ Ridgewood Gardens staff. To Kimberly & Marcia especially Frances would be so thankful and appreciative for the comfort you gave her and her family as her life came to closure. Visitation will be at Simpson Funeral Home at 5160 Peters Creek Rd. from 6-8pm on Monday, Sept. 26th. Graveside services will be held in Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach, FL. Condolences may be sent to 736 Hugh Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24019. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Frances' name to: Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Rd. Roanoke, VA 24019.