October 29, 2021, 93, La Grange –
Frances Omega Taylor Whaley, 93, passed through the gates of Heaven on Friday, October 29, 2021. Frances was born in Lauderdale County, Mississippi to the late Garnett and Kathern Clark Taylor on September 10, 1928. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Rayford Lee Whaley; and a brother, Othene Taylor.
Growing up during the depression and as the daughter of a preacher, Frances journeyed throughout the southeastern United States, ending up in North Carolina. Planting churches and following work, her family uprooted as necessary to support themselves and fulfill their calling to spread the love of Jesus Christ. Frances learned early on a strong work ethic and a devotion to her Lord. Neither of these two qualities wavered throughout her life. As long as Frances was able, she attended church faithfully and worked diligently.
Living off of the bounty that nature provides, Frances watched her mom prepare every animal that her father killed. The skill in preparation and cooking was passed down to Frances, and she honed her skills even more as the wife of a farmer. Raising their own chickens, cows, and pigs, Frances utilized her knowledge and expanded it to learn how to cure hams and make sausage, souse, lard, and bacon. Her ability to cook helped her to utilize everything from a pig except the squeal.
Caring for God’s most precious little ones was a lifelong career for Frances. Starting out working in public daycares, Frances continued her work by caring for children in her own home, and finally caring for her great-grandchildren as they grew. Her love and example impacted many generations throughout her life, and many can attest that her care for them was a lifelong blessing.
Possessing a love of sports, Frances didn’t mind staying up all night to take in ballgames. If basketball or baseball could be found on her tv, you could rest assured that she was tuned in. Football was not in her list of favorites, however; she didn’t understand that mess and saw no sense in taking time to watch it. Baseball was at the top of her priority list, especially when the Cubs were playing. She looked forward to the World Series each year, and was ecstatic when the Cubs won for the first time in her lifetime in 2016.
In the last several years, Frances resided in the La Grange Villa Apartments where she met many dear friends. Getting together once per month, they enjoyed each other’s company over a covered-dish meal that together, they prepared. Knowing her great skill in the kitchen, everyone always asked Frances, “what are you bringing?” Her love for country cooking and baking was a way to show her care and concern for others, and family and friends treasured every instance of eating with her.
A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Onslow Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville. Friends and family may also visit Rouse Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. to pay their respects to Frances.
Frances is survived by her daughter, Kathi Lane and husband, Max; granddaughter, Crystal Wooten and husband, Desmond; great-granddaughter, Kayla Wall and husband, Britt; great-grandsons, Nicholas Wooten and Michael Wooten; brother, Othel Taylor and wife, Elma; and sister, Sue Clark and husband, Amos.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fl, 33607. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
