Obituary of Frances Mallard

Frances Bagwell Stephens Mallard joined the church triumphant and entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. "Mimi," as she was lovingly known by her family, is survived by her sons, John W. Mallard, Jr. and his wife, Meri of Durham; Timothy V. Mallard and his wife, Donna, of Raleigh, and grandchildren, Amanda Mallard Watson and husband, Chad, Evan John Mallard and his wife, Jessica and Lindsay Michelle Mallard; great grandchildren Emma Grace Watson and Ava Leilani Mallard; and one sister, Doris Stephens Roark of Cottondale, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Mallard was pre-deceased by her parents, the Reverend G. Van and Vara Bagwell Stephens of Warsaw, N.C.; her husband, John Wilton Mallard, who died in 1973; and her sister, Evelyn Stephens Freeman.

Frances was born in Chadbourn, North Carolina, on June 2, 1925, and was raised in Warsaw, N.C. She graduated from Warsaw High School and attended Averett College in Danville, Virginia. In 1946, she married John Wilton Mallard at Warsaw Baptist Church. During and after her marriage, Frances was active in Ridge Road Baptist Church in Raleigh. She retired from the Sales Tax Assessment Unit of the North Carolina Department of Revenue after twenty-five years of service. The role in which she excelled and that she cherished most was being a loving and available mother and grandmother. She was an avid cheerleader and faithful spectator at her sons' numerous activities and sporting events, and later was a continuous presence at her grandchildren's many occasions.

Frances enjoyed cooking and spoiled her family with delicious meals and shared her special recipes with anyone who asked. She was such a positive person, even in the face of trials and challenges, and had a contagious and infectious laugh. Her countenance was always brightened by a ready smile and warm, twinkling eyes. She was fun and light-hearted and extended herself and her experience, strength and hope with love and acceptance to others in need. When not surrounded by family, Frances doted for many years on her wonderful dogs who loved her with sweet kisses and warm snuggles. She was a member of the Brookhaven Garden Club.

Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 11:00 am in Room C-200 adjacent to Davidson Chapel at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, N.C., followed by a service in Davidson Chapel at noon. A graveside service will be held at 2pm at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to: Heartland Hospice Services of Raleigh, 3200 Atlantic Avenue #100, Raleigh, NC 27604. The family also extends tremendous gratitude to the staffs of Sunrise Senior Living and Litchford Falls Healthcare and Rehabilitation for their genuine and loving care of Frances and her family.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com