On Thursday, November 13, FRANCES JANE COREY took her last earthly breath and woke up in the arms of her Savior.
Frances was born February 12, 1927 in Seneca Falls NY to Italian immigrants, Vito and Mary Tarquino. She was a devoted mother who put God and family first. She loved meeting people and seeing friends.
Fran lived life to the absolute fullest. Fran was an athlete of several sports through high school and college. From water safety instruction to tumbling to skiing and even field hockey at Brockport State University, Fran excelled in athletics. Following her college graduation, Fran and two friends undertook an epic cross-country journey on Route 66 in a convertible, traveling from Seneca Falls, NY to Catalina Island before returning home.
After a full decade of teaching, physical education instruction and Summer camp counseling in the Adirondacks, Fran met the love her life, Bob Corey and married 6 months later. She dedicated the remainder of her life to homemaking and motherhood, although she went back to work as a sales associate for Watsons Backroom Clothing in St. Albans many years later. Fran loved fashion and Watsons only added to her already stylish wardrobe. Her number one role however, was the one of wife and mother. This was her true calling.
Over the course of 14 years, Bob and Fran moved from Syracuse to Shreveport to Nashville to North Carolina. In 1975, they settled in Cross Lanes, WV with their 3 children and laid roots for the next 50 plus years. They were married for 58 glorious years until Bob's passing in 2018. Through the years, Bob and Fran kept both of their mothers as well as her sister Mary in the home.
The strong work ethic, drive, and attention to detail that defined Fran's generation remained her guiding principles until the end. She was a natural leader, always taking the initiative and had an incredible positive attitude. Additionally, Fran was a devoted Mountaineer football fan who never missed a game. Her patriotism and appreciation for this country's principles were unwavering.
As Fran navigated the end of her life, she maintained a steadfast commitment to her faith even through the struggles. Offering daily thanks to the Lord and morning bible readings, her devotion to Jesus was refreshingly simple yet sincere.
Fran is survived by her 3 children - Todd (Joanna) Corey, Richard Corey and Susan (Randy) Brown as well as her Granddaughter Holly (Adam) Gilkeson. Grand-Dog Dakota was also close to her heart. The family would like to acknowledge their gratitude to Dr. Wes Lieving and Hospice care workers Kim, Jennifer and Casey as well as nurse Renee for their invaluable support during the final weeks. Friends Alice and Racheale were also a complete blessing as the family navigated through Fran's last few months.
Celebration of Fran's life will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Pettit officiating.
Gathering of family and friends will be from 5 p.m., until time of service at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at
www.tylermountainfuneralhome.comPublished by Charleston Gazette-Mail on Nov. 15, 2025.