Frances E. Prince

Frances Evelyn Prince, a cherished matriarch and beacon of love and resilience, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, at Friendship Village in Chesterfield, MO. Born on February 7, 1924, in Anthonies Mill, MO to Charles and Julia Jenkerson, Frances's journey through life was marked by her enduring strength, unshakeable faith, and the melodious joy she brought to all who knew her.
Frances's early years in rural Missouri were filled with the simple pleasures of country living. She attended the one-room schoolhouses of Oak Hill and Cedar Grove, often riding a mule or horse to school. A 1941 graduate of Sullivan High School, Frances's life took a romantic turn when she met John Prince, a dashing member of the Army Air Corps. It was love at first sight, and the couple wed on August 2, 1941, embarking on a journey that would span decades.
As a devoted military wife, Frances gracefully navigated the challenges of raising a family while supporting John's service to their country. Together, they welcomed sons Collin and Stephen, and daughters Carol and Gail. Though their hearts were heavy with the loss of their son John Michael and daughter Joan in infancy, Frances's love and care never wavered.
After John's military service, the Prince family settled in Sullivan, where Frances's nurturing spirit turned a house into a warm and loving home, while being employed by Borg Warner. After their children were raised, Frances and John moved to Ballwin, MO, where they enjoyed their golden years surrounded by the community they cherished.
Frances's passion for music was ignited at the tender age of three when her family moved into a home with a piano. With no formal training, she taught herself to play, filling their home with music and laughter. Her talent remained a source of joy throughout her life, as she continued to play piano for family and friends, often she would play after dinner at the Friendship Village at the age of 99.
A lover of the great outdoors, Frances found solace in gardening and tending to her yard. Her intellectual curiosity was satisfied through her love of reading and the daily challenge of crosswords and puzzles.
Faith played a central role in Frances's life. She was a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church in Grover, MO, which later became the Wildwood Baptist Church. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering and provided a foundation of strength for her and her family.
Frances is survived by her children: Carol Fenberg, Collin Prince, and Gail Claspill; 13 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Charles and Julia Mae Jenkerson; her siblings, Charles Jenkerson, Helen Peterson, and Florence Nixon; her son Stephen Prince in 2017, along with two children in infancy, John Michael and Joan; two grandchildren, Justin Claspill and Ryan Fenberg; and one great-great-grandchild, "Hank."
Services will be at 12:00 PM, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan. Burial will follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Sullivan.
Visitation will be 10:00 AM to12:00 PM Thursday prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Friends may send their online condolences to Frances's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan.