Frances Marine (Owens) Herrell

Frances Marine Herrell, age 87, passed away in Muskegon, MI, on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Frances was born on October 15, 1936, in Pontotoc, MS, to Hermon and Birdie (Woods) Owens Sr. She graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1955. On September 28, 1957, she married Robert Herrell, and they spent 39 wonderful years together until he preceded her in death in 1997.

Frances worked for some years as a private duty nurse, then spent 14 years working in retail for Robertson’s department store in South Bend, where she also modeled in the Tea Room. When Robertson’s closed she worked for some years at K-Mart, then retired so that she could help take care of her grandchildren once they were born. She was formerly very active at Progressive MB Church in South Bend, where she was president of the senior usher board for many years. Frances was a gifted seamstress who sewed many outfits for her family over the years, even the bridesmaids’ dresses for her daughter’s wedding.

More than anything Frances enjoyed spending time with her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Debra (James Jr.) Allen; stepson, Robert Herrell Jr; four grandchildren: Jaime (Craig) Steward, James (Chioma) Allen III, Carie (Brandon) Sailes, and Audree (Daniel) Herrell; seven great-grandchildren: James Allen IV, Jonathan Allen, Maya Steward, Braedon Sailes, Brycen Sailes, Cheyanne Sailes, and I’Leah Webb; step great-grandchild, Darrion Herrell; three siblings: Rev. Lefate (Ora) Owens, Joe Kelly Owens, and Lowree (Wiley) McDonald; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hermon and Birdie Owens Sr; husband, Robert Herrell Sr; son, Anthony Herrell; grandchild, Elijah Walker; step-grandchild, Darrick Herrell; and six siblings: Hermon Owens Jr, Charles Stewart, Ruth O’Neal, Lois Davis, Martha Jane Ware, and Daisy Goens.

Funeral services for Frances will be on Thursday, December 14, 2023 beginning at 1:00pm at Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel 3718 South Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46614.  Friends may visit with family beginning at 12:00 noon.  Rev. Rickardo Taylor will preside.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Harbor Hospice Foundation 1050 West Western Ave #400, Muskegon, MI 49441. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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