Obituaries

Frances Stokes

Photo of Frances Stokes
Frances Stokes, age 80, of Fayetteville passed away Saturday June 3, 2017, in Fayetteville. She was born April 23, 1937, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, the daughter of Henry and Thelda Reid Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents. She owned and operated the Frances Stokes Dance Studio in Fayetteville, and taught dance for over 50 years. Frances received her master's degree in education from the University of Arkansas. She taught ballroom dance and physical education at the University from 1959 to 1969. Her Dad built a dance studio behind their home in Fordyce, Ark. in the early 1950s where Frances began teaching while still in high school and continued throughout college. She was the drum major all through high school as well as all four years of college. Frances dearly loved children and loved to perform as well as teach. She had a special ability to relate to children. She not only knew how to teach the art of dance but also how to inspire the hearts of all ages. She touched many lives throughout her career as well as her lifetime. Frances helped create and build self-esteem in toddlers, teenagers and adults. Over the years she taught many generations within the same family. Frances was a people person. She never met a stranger. She was open-hearted and kind to all. She was able to inspire and communicate with ease and make all feel comfortable. Frances loved to tell stores about family and her life. She could make everyone laugh until they cried while bringing smile to all faces. Frances was a devoted wife and loving mother. She is survived by her husband, John Stokes; daughter, Shannon Davis and husband Shawn of Fayetteville; and a large group of extended family and lifelong friends. She is also survived by her beloved grand-dog Samson. Visitation will be 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday June 8 at Moore's Chapel. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Moore's Chapel with interment to follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or the Washington County Animal Shelter, 801 W Clydesdale Dr., Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701. To sign the online guest book visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

Published June 6, 2017

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