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Celebrating the life of Frances McBride
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Obituary for Frances McBride
A celebration of Frances' life will occur on
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Saint Matthews AME Church 215 North 57th Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19131
Viewing: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Service: 11:00 a.m.
We request family and friends who prefer to send plants or flowers, to coordinate with one of the following reliable local florists:..
Have the florist deliver your selection to the church no later than 8:30 a.m. the day of the service.
DUE TO A GLITCH IN OUR SYSTEM PLEASE DISREGARD THE FOLLOWING NOTATION REGARDING ANY ORDERS INCLUDING FLOWERS, CANDLES OR MEMORIAL TREE PLANTINGS WITH THE TRIBUTE STORE!!!! THANK YOU!!
Life Story
On August 5, 1925 the third of five daughters was born to Martha and Francis Robinson. The family resided in West Philadelphia. Frances’ early education was nurtured while attending Martha Washington Elementary School. She developed a love for reading and was an avid reader throughout adulthood. At the age of 11, Frances and her four sisters lost their mother and later their father leaving them in the hands of the foster care system until graduating from high school in Coatesville Pa. The eldest of the girls, Vallard died in her early twenties.
Frances worked in the bridal sales business until completing business school and subsequently becoming employed by the Marine Corps in Philadelphia. She worked in procurements as an analysis for 22 years until her retirement. After a short time, she came out of retirement to work for several buyers at the center city John Wanamaker and Strawbridge and Clothier Stores.
Frances and her three remaining sisters, Bernice, Gloria and Geraldine were very close, celebrating holidays and raising their families together. Sadly, Frances was left to bury all of her sisters in the late 1980s and 90s. In 1945, she met the late Jacob McBride, a former resident of South Carolina. Later, they were united in marriage by the late Reverend Lewis at St. Matthew A.M.E. Church. There were three children born of this marriage, Elizabeth, Jacob Jr.(deceased) and Richard. Frances and Jacob were dedicated and active members of this church.
Frances, through her love for Christ and His teaching, became active in several church ministries. Seeking a broader understanding of the Word of God, she became an active participant in the church Sunday School. She served as Sunday School secretary and was appointed Class Leader by the late Reverend Sims. Along with church member Mrs. Portia Wesley, the two formed the Altar Guild in order to appropriately outfit the altar on a consistent basis.
Frances was a devoted member of the Ellen Tyree Missionary Society where she served tirelessly as treasurer. She loved working with accounting and took pride in delivering her meticulous reports of the monthly finances at the meetings. She was known to present the information from memory. Frances also served as the treasurer for the West Area Missionaries for several years working closely with Ms. Rose Mapp who was the West Area Chairperson.
The church Clothes Closet was another one of her beloved projects where along with other devoted church members, they dispersed gently used clothing to needy families. This work was especially meaningful to struggling families enabling them to outfit their children with warm coats and clothing for school. This missionary project culminated each year in a bazaar attended by the community at large. She loved this work and her church family! In 1995, Frances received the Class Leader Award from Bishop Norris. She represented St. Matthew Missionary Society in 2007 as the recipient of the West Area Branch Queen Contest. May 7, 2011, Frances received the Dedicated Service Award from The Ellen Tyree Missionary Society. In 2015, The Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization presented her The Unsung Hero Award.
An amazing mother and grandmother who was cherished by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she leaves a legacy that exemplified a true Christian woman. Frances honored God through her many life challenges with faith, dignity, and strength. In her Christian walk, she inspired and acquired many bonus goddaughters, friends and loved ones. She was affectionately called Frannie, Aunt Frances, Mom McBride, Godmom, Grandmom and Mommy.
Family and close friends benefited from her delicious cooking especially her pies and cookies over the years. Among her special talents were gardening in which she drew special joy in planting her flowers in the front of her home; she was always working on ways to beautify the home. As a mother she was always present. She offered comfort and guidance through the rough patches of life and always pointed to prayer, yielding to God’s will, and timing. She lived her life this way and led by example. Never one to seek attention, she admonished the family as her milestone birthdays occurred, stating that she didn’t want the attention of a big celebration. Those occasions were family affairs as we became convinced that she would not appreciate or enjoy the type of celebration we wanted to plan. We acquiesced to her firmly stated request.
After a brief illness the Lord called her from her earthly home surrounded by both her children to her new home with Him. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Elizabeth Byrd (Carnall deceased) son Richard McBride. Grandchildren: Rafael McBride, Janaea Patterson, Brittney McBride, Lametra McBride, Brandi McBride, Jonathan Byrd, Crystal Byrd. Great grandchildren: Antonio Patterson, Rayelyn McBride, Jamar Ginn, Myla McBride, Paris McBride, Jamea Byrd, Madison Byrd, Brooklyn Byrd. Devoted Family: Mr. and Mrs. Melvin McBride, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory McBride, Dr. and Mrs. Kevin McBride, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and a host of nieces and nephews Special Friends/Extended Family: Ms. Rose Mapp, Rev. Bea Sims, Mrs. Bodison, Ms. Vivian Claxton, Mr. and Mrs. Mervin Jones, Ms. Bernice Henry, Ms. Karen Boyd, Ms. Margaret Jackson, Ms. Kim Hyde, and devoted neighbors from Larchwood Ave.