Frances Moose Jennings

Frances Moose (Frankie) Jennings, 90, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Thursday evening, May 27, 2010. She was born in Greensboro, N.C., on December 25, 1919, to Lillian and Frank Moose and moved to Roanoke when her father opened Frank L. Moose Jeweler. Frankie graduated from Mary Baldwin College and earned a Master's Degree in French and English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Married to Harold Frederick Jennings (Hal) on January 13, 1945, they settled in Roanoke when he joined her father's jewelry business. She taught French in Salem and Roanoke City Schools before helping to found Eton School. As the Eaton School merged with North Cross, Frankie taught French there until 1969. In 1971, the Frank L. Moose Bridal Shop opened and she became the manager and was recognized in 1982 as Mother of the Year for business and professions.

Frankie was active with many volunteer organizations including the Roanoke Valley Garden Club, the Children's Community Theatre, the Roanoke Youth Symphony and St. John's Episcopal Church. She also served as president of the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley. One of her fondest memories was traveling to Tyler, Texas, in October 1941 when Virginia Governor Price appointed her to represent the state in the Rose Festival.

A three-time cancer survivor, she was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Hal Jennings; and granddaughter, Jennifer. Survivors include two sons, Geoffrey Jennings and wife, Susan, and Rick Jennings and wife, Brenda. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Ryan Snow and husband, Gabe, Melissa Lunsford and husband, Chad, Rob Jennings, Ashley McLeod and husband, Geoff, and Coles Jennings and Randi Dayton; two great-grandsons, Phoenix Lunsford and Blake Jennings.

The family wishes to thank her wonderful caregivers, Jean Cooley, Brenda Condrey, Lisa Harrison, Dolores Helms, and Mary Dillon; and appreciates the support of her special friends at Pheasant Ridge and Gentle Shepherd Hospice.

Memorials in honor of Mrs. Jennings' life may be made to North Cross School (Gordon C. Willis Scholarship Fund) or St. John's Episcopal Church.

A service in celebration of "Mom J" will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at St. John's Episcopal Church with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Oakey's Roanoke Chapel & Crematory is handling the arrangements. 540-982-2100.