Carrie Frances Shelton

Carrie Frances Shelton (Frances), resident of Mobile County for over 65 years, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025. She was 79 years old.

Frances was born on May 7, 1949, in Andalusia, AL to Uless Hamilton (Red) Piper and Evelyn Cross Piper, and being the youngest of siblings Edward, Estelle, Patricia and Gloria.

She will mostly be remembered for the 40+ years spent caring for an untold number of children at her Home Daycare called "Kiddyville Station", in which the children often affectionately called her "Franny", a mixture of " Frances" and "Granny".

She began a career in healthcare gradually becoming a home health care nurse while living in Ohio. Moving back to Tillman's Corner in 1973 with her son Sam, the necessity of work and cost of childcare prompted Francis to start her own Home Daycare. Besides her love of children, this venture allowed her to earn an income and still be a "stay at home Mom" for Sam. Understanding the importance of quality care, she worked closely with state and local county health boards, becoming instrumental in helping to develop new standards for the home childcare industry.

Over the years, Frances cared for hundreds of children. Her excellent reputation spread through word of mouth, and soon she would have a waiting list year after year. She touched so many lives that her impact on the children would carry over into their adolescence and adulthood, with many past students returning to volunteer for "Franny" during summer breaks, and many others visiting well into adulthood, still seeking her love and advice. Many will feel a deep void in the world without her in it.

Frances will be leaving behind her son Sam Cross Shelton and sister Patricia Piper Shiver [John Shiver, Sr]. She is preceded in death by Estelle Piper Goodman [Frank], Edward Piper and Gloria Piper Mcleod.

Other family members include Theresa Goodman Lolley [Donnie],Terry Goodman Haynes, Frank Goodman, Jr (Buddy) (Deceased),Brenda Goodman Tew, Tina Piper, Ricky Wharton [Toni], Red Piper [Kay], Duke Piper [Leigha], John Shiver, Jr. [Sabrina], Chris Shiver [Phyllis], Carrie Shiver Shelton [Doug], Skip Mcleod [Gwen], Chuck Mcleod (Deceased)

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 6th, 2025 at 12 noon from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11am until service time.