Frances St.Clair

Frances Ann Evans was born on August 16, 1941, in Jamestown, SC. She was the eldest daughter of the late Fannie Agnes Bennett Evans and Virgin Evans. After the death of her mother, Frances lived with her eldest brother, Edward and his family in Texas. Later she joined the family in Baltimore, MD, where she completed her education in Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. In April 1960, she married the late Elmo (Stacy) St. Clair. From this union were born, Perette in October 1960, and Tisha in May 1962.
During her career, Frances was employed with the Maryland State Department of Education and Worker's Compensation Commission. She completed her bachelor's degree in business administration from Antioch College and worked as a Personnel Specialist. In 1985 Frances married Cornelius Houwen and relocated to Rodeo, CA. She continued her career in Personnel at the UC Berkley until her retirement in 1995.
She and Cornelius relocated to Decatur, GA in their forever home, where they hosted family gatherings and holiday celebrations for many years. In 2024, Frances was diagnosed with stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. She fought a brave fight with grace, dignity and gratefulness. She was known by many names and roles during her life: Fran, Frank, Aunt Ann, Stuff, Sister, Mommy,Grandma, Ganma, and friend. In her spare time Frances enjoyed gardening, and planted many gardens featuring flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables in her homes in Baltimore, Rodeo, and Decatur. She also enjoyed listening to music and dancing.
On Friday, March 20th, Frances transitioned quietly at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fannie and Virgin; surrogate parents, Vanilla and Jesse Nixon; brothers Edward, Willie Joe, Nathaniel, Warren, and Wesley; sister in laws, Angelina and Sheila; and daughters Perette and Renee. She leaves to morn her memory, husband Cornelius; daughter Tisha; sister Dee; sons Mark and Keith; grandchildren Timothy, Sr. (Mical) and Megan; great grandson TJ; Goddaughter Tracey; brother-in-law William; sisters-in-law Tina, Dorothy, Berniece, and Margaret; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
In accordance with Frances' wishes, no formal services will be held.
The family would like to extend our appreciation to the Emory Windship Cancer Institute and Longleaf Hospice and Palliative Care professionals for the amazing care they provides to Frances during her illness. We are also grateful for the many prayers, calls, gifts and acts of kindness from family and friends during our time of bereavement. God bless you all.