NEWPORT NEWS - Frances Carey Beecroft left us way too soon on May 17th. Symbolic of her life, she had just befriended a complete stranger when the Lord called her home to tend his garden. She suffered very little, which was her reward for a lifetime of caring for others as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Frances was born in Miami, Florida on April 15, 1935 to Jefferson "Pete" and Eunice "Mema" Carey. The family moved to Jacksonville when she was a young girl, and she later attended Florida State University. She graduated with a degree in Art History and was a proud sister in the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. In her senior year in Tallahassee, she met a handsome young Virginian entrepreneur named Moss Beecroft. After they married, they moved north to his hometown of Newport News. Together, they opened Beecroft & Bull, Ltd. in Hilton Village in 1958. She was instrumental in the company's success and helped forge their reputation as one of the best men's stores in the country, which continues to this day. One didn't mess with "Frambo" when it came to their stores, and when she detested what the boys had ordered, "The Eraser" sprang into action! Her quick wit, self-assurance, style and expertise gained her respect and admiration amongst her peers and made her a legend in the clothing industry. Frances was also a fierce competitor on the tennis court. At her beloved James River Country Club, she won the Member Guest title with Nancy Watson, and was runner-up in the Newport News City Mixed Doubles with Walker Shivar. Flowers were another great passion of hers. She was a long time member of the Huntington Garden Club, and was a founding member of the Hidenwood Presbyterian Flower Guild. For part of the year, this quintessential "Florida Girl" and Moss lived in Boynton Beach and were members of Quail Ridge. She continued her talent in floral arrangement for the club and had recently joined the Quail Ridge Choir. Above all, she loved her family. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Morris "Moss" Bryan Beecroft, Jr., sons, Morris Bryan Beecroft III and Robert Craig Beecroft, his wife Noel Beecroft, grandsons William Schuyler Beecroft and Maxwell Carey Beecroft, her brother Jeff Carey, sisters Ivy Kool and Linda Carey and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. All, including her closest friends, would agree that she was a lover of life, beautiful to the core, and immensely loyal. She is already dearly missed. Our family wishes to thank the scores of friends who have been by our side during this painful time, as well as Frances' last new friend, who rushed to her aid near the end. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hidenwood Presbyterian Charity Fund. Please join us for a celebration of Frances's life at the Hidenwood Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 25th at 2:00pm.

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Published by Daily Press on May 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Beecroft

31 Entries

Douglas Young

August 16, 2018

You are so missed.A Extremely Smart Lady from Douglas P Young 5715899931

June 21, 2016

Our sincere condolences Bobby & Janet Chenman

Jonathan Legg

May 25, 2016

I am so sorry to hear the Aunt "Fanny" has passed. She left me with so many wonderful memories. I have vivid memories of my childhood in Hilton Village and visiting the store.

She left a great example for the next generation to follow.

I was hoping to be able to travel to NN today but could not break a previously scheduled travel commitment.

With my sincere condolences

Jonathan Legg

May 25, 2016

Moss, Brian and Craig,
We are so sadden to hear to Frances's passing. She was truly a wonderful person who never held back.
The fun years of tennis, lunches and friendship is something that I shall always treasure. Our most sincere condolences.
Kippe & Michael

judy fitzpatrick

May 25, 2016

dear moss, brian and craig,
its distressing that frances has been taken from us. she was a unique friend. of course, all friends are unique, but frances was really special to me in so many ways. she was an inspiration. time spent with her was always fun. one of the most amusing was when we were at sawgrass . . . the 2 of us watched the academy awards together and frances seemed to have a relationship with the performers as she dished the dirt on everyone. that's just one vignette. more to follow when we speak together.
the stroke that i had last month leaves me incapable of communicating better than this . . . for now, at least. i could cry missing you all today and not hearing the wonderful things that will be said about frances. jerry will be there, along with my heart.
with deepest sympathy and best love,
judy

Sara and Bob Atherholt

May 25, 2016

We had hoped to be with you today but ,unfortunately, that is not going to work. I did want to share a memory. Sometime in the mid 1960s Moss won a microwave in a tournament . Frances called me over and together with at least 2 of our children we watched this amazing new "toy" boil a cup of water ! I vividly remember at least 4 of us clustered around peering into this new wonder.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. She will be missed.

May 25, 2016

Our hearts and prayers are with you all today!! Judy and Henry Morris

Shannon Pierce

May 24, 2016

Moss, Brian and Craig,

I am so sad that I can't be there with the family to celebrate Frances' life. She was always so much fun and full of life. She was generous and kind and never held back from telling you what she really thought. I will miss her tremendously and I hate that I am missing the opportunity to see all of you. My love and prayers are with you all.

Love, Shannon

Anna Lilly

May 24, 2016

Moss,

The kids and I are still in shock of Mrs. B's passing. It was just the that Monday she and I were out front in the yard discussing the new flowers I had planted. I always kind of sought her approval in a way and couldn't wait for your return from Florida so I could show her the new additions to the yard. She was always so kind to the kids and they are missing her just as much. Our little family across the street won't be the same without her wonderful presence. She was a true treasure indeed. Prayers of comfort and peace to your family. -Anna Lilly

Mary Hory

May 23, 2016

Dear Moss,
I am so shocked and saddened by France's passing.
Just being around Frances made your day.
She was so special as was her sparkle, wit, sense of humor and the beautiful and creative weekly floral designs she blessed the foyer with at QRCC .
My my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With deepest sympathy.

Mary Hory

Lee Lipsitz

May 23, 2016

Moss,
So sorry to hear about Frances' passing. Fred Bright called to let us know. Lil and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
We remember fondly your visit to Ahoskie and my
many visits with you and Frances.
Lee and Lil Lipsitz

Betty Flo Haynie

May 23, 2016

An especially clear and happy childhood memory is of eagerly awaiting and anticipating the arrival of Uncle Pete's great big Pontiac , turning into our drive-way in Lilian, VA!...Hooray! the "Florida cousins", Frances, Ivy, Jeff, and Linda had made it! We knew it would be the best, most fun 2 weeks of the Summer! Frances was a very special and much loved "bloom" on our family tree. And in time, we will once again have a joyful reunion. Sending loving thoughts to all those whom she loved so dearly.

Frank Wyatt

May 23, 2016

To dear Moss and his family, Frank and Becky just want all of you to know that we
care by sending our love.
Francis was always a great friend to both
of us at QR and will always be remembered
as the one who loved flowers----a thing of
beauty is a joy forever.

Knowing that these days will be so hard for
you and all of us, may we remember the
happy times together.

Love,
Becky and Frank Wyatt

Richard "Yogi" Graves

May 23, 2016

My fondest memories will always be rooted in Newport News- Hilton Pier, the Village Theater, Andy's Barbershop and Beecroft and Bull. Moss and Frances were so wonderful to me as a kid growing up there and I will never forget them, especially Frances. She was always so honest about everything and would offer up heart felt opinions that sometimes that would surprise me. I remember deciding one time whether to buy a rather loud looking jacket or not and she said, "Yogi, do you really think you will look good in that jacket?".
To Moss, Craig and Bryan, please know that Frances will be missed by everyone who knew her but also she touched the lives of those same folks each and every day she was on this earth.
This old Hilton boy will miss her alot.

Sherri Snider

May 22, 2016

Moss and family,
I'm truly sorry for your loss. The dental office won't be the same without her coming in or calling. She was a pleasant person. We will miss her.
God Bless you all during this difficult time.

Patty and Ronnie Grove

May 22, 2016

Moss,

Ronnie and I are so saddened by this unexpected loss. Frances was a bright light in this world who always made us laugh. We all had some truly special and fun times which we will never forget. Our hearts go out to you and the boys and hope you can find peace with your special memories of her as well. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Nikki Cooper

May 22, 2016

What a special lady, she will be missed by so many. I have fond memories of all the years we played tennis. When we stopped playing tennis loved running into her out around town we would stand and talk what seemed like forever. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

May 22, 2016

Moss,
We are so sorry about Frances. We will always remember the fun times we had together.
Bob & Marian Ferrel

Debbie & Bill MacLachlan

May 22, 2016

Dear Moss and family - we are still in shock over the loss of Frances. She was the first person we met at Sandpiper and embodied such a zest for life. We loved her enthusiasm and funny stories. She will be greatly missed. We send our condolences and a hug for Moss.

Gordon Gentry

May 22, 2016

Dear Moss, Bryan, and Craig,

With deep sadness, Judy and I extend our heartfelt condolences to each of you upon the passing of your dear wife/mother. As you know so well, she was a special lady whose caring way and spirited personality contributed so much to every friendship. We admired her greatly.
You are in our thoughts and prayers as we pray that each of you is experiencing God's sustaining grace in a special way at this time.

Dennis Hargrave

May 22, 2016

Moss, I'm sorry for your loss,Frances was a classy lady,I shopped at your store in Hilton Village and Francis was the force behind your success,she'll be missed,

Denny McCotter

May 21, 2016

I enjoyed so many activities with Frances, all of them better because she was there too.It won't be the same here without her
weet smile and wonderful sense of humor. There will be a big empty feeling because she was a special friend.My thoughts and prayers are with Moss and her family.

Nancy Lee & Ed Grey

May 21, 2016

Dear Moss, Bryan and Craig,

Ed and I were devastated to hear about Frances from our good friend Sissy Barker (her best friend is Ivy). The times we spent together when in Newport News, mainly tennis at the indoor courts, were wonderful memories. I know this will be a tremendous void for all of you as she was such a dynamic person and well loved. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Joan Toepfer

May 21, 2016

France's, we loved having you in chorus. You will be missed by everyone. My deepest sympathy goes to your family.

Maggi Gilmour

May 21, 2016

WIth deepest sympathy on Frances' passing to all the family.

from Maggi & Gerry Gilmour
Hudson, Canada

Nancy and Ned Pugh

May 21, 2016

Moss, our deepest sympathies on Frances's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,

Nancy and Ned Pugh

Martha & Steve Smith

May 21, 2016

With fond admiration for Frances and deep sympathy for all her family.

Keith Pizzeck

May 21, 2016

I fondly remember working with Frances in Beecroft & Bull's office in the early 1980's. She was a beautiful lady with a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. She took me under her wing and taught me many talents that I later used in my personal life and business career. Once you became Frances' friend, you were a friend for life... and I am a much better person for having her as my friend. Until we meet again on the other side...rest easy my dear friend.

Beth

May 21, 2016

This picture of Frances, Moss and Bryan was taken on April, 16, 2016 at the Quail Ridge CC, demolition party....Frances will be surely missed by me, and so many others !!
Al my Love Frances, Beth