Frances Lee "Frankie" Pepper

Frances Lee (née Clark) Pepper passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Minerva Mae Clark, brothers, David Stewart Clark, Kenneth Richard Clark; sisters, Shirley Ann Clark, Marcia Kay Clark and her beloved son, Michael Jay Pepper.

Affectionately known as Frankie, she is survived by her daughters, Christine Lee (John Francis) McCarthy and Lisa Marie (Michael David) Warren; her treasured grandsons, Nicholas Joseph Warren, Maxwell Jay Warren, and John Francis McCarthy V; sister, Linda Lou Clark; ten nieces and nephews; her special friend, Mary Ann Woltz; and many other loving friends and colleagues in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Phoenix, Arizona.

Frankie was deeply devoted to her spiritual growth and lifelong learning. Through this dedication, she cultivated a profound love for herself, God, and those around her.

When her children were in elementary school, Frankie began her professional career in education administration as the first secretary to the principal at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Elementary School in Belmont, Michigan. She went on to spend the remainder of her career at GRCC, starting in an entry-level role and ultimately serving as liaison to the President of the College and the Board of Trustees. In this role, Frankie was instrumental in advocating for women and minorities, helping to implement programs that recognized and honored their contributions. She played a key role in developing the Salute to Women program, served on the Minority Council, and influenced the establishment of the Diversity Learning Center. Frankie was a champion for equity, kindness, and inclusion, and for all who knew her.

Frankie inherited her talent for sewing from her mother, Minerva, a professional seamstress. She became an accomplished seamstress herself, lovingly making many of her own clothes as well as matching dresses for Christi and Lisa, and outfits for Michael. Later in life, she and her daughters delighted in creating elaborate Halloween costumes for her three grandsons. Before moving to Porter Hills, Frankie also made cherished Christmas aprons and Christmas tree skirts for her daughters-keepsakes that will be treasured for years to come.

Frankie had a deep love for music and art, both her own creations and those of local artists. She enjoyed road trips, The Rolling Stones, gardening, growing her spirituality, Lake Michigan, and meaningful connections with friends and family. Above all else, the greatest joy of her adult life was her three "baby grands"-Nicholas, Maxwell, and Jack.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive, Ada, Michigan 49301. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. Tony Russo presiding.

Memorial contributions in Frankie's honor may be directed to Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503.