of Helena, AR
September 9, 1924 - January 14, 2018
Frances Miles Keesee died in Helena on January 14, 2018 after a brief illness.
She was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church her entire life, starting a meals on wheels program, leading the Youth Group, serving in several diocesan roles, and preparing countless meals. She was a gourmet cook and competitive tennis player, and she spent several weeks in France each year through her mid-80s. She owned a tennis shop and The Bistro restaurant in Helena. She had a generous spirit and a concern for those marginalized by society.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Allen R. Keesee.
Her survivors include: her daughters Elizabeth Henry (Matt) of Hendersonville, NC and Allison Biederman (Billy) of Helena; granddaughters Allison Mayer (Peter) of Arnold, MD, Legier Biederman (Dagan) of Los Angeles, CA, Sarah Henry of Branford, CT, and Peyton Biederman (Greg) of New York, NY; her brother John Miles (Ev) of Austin, TX; her exchange daughter Véronique Thomazo of Nice, France; and her great grandchildren Sarah and Allen Mayer.
The burial service will take place at 10:30 on Friday, January 19 at St John's Episcopal Church in Helena.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St John's Episcopal Church at Perry and Porter Streets, Helena, AR 72342 or to the Humane Society of the Delta, P.O. Box 3218, West Helena, AR 72290.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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19 Condolence(s)
Mal Stokes
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
She always called me her best paper boy ever. Loved her for that. I miss her . She was good to me. Rest in Peace, Miss Keese.
Kathy Namour
Friday, January 19, 2018
I am so very sorry for the loss of you Mother. I remember Mrs. Keesee and my mother played bridge together. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brent and Jo Alice Harris
Friday, January 19, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Keesee family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben-David & James
Friday, January 19, 2018
Sending our love to Allison, Billy, Peyton, Legier and the rest of the family. xo
Stewart Juengel
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Allison and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was an amazing person and will be missed. You are all in thoughts and prayers.
Janet Juengel & Family
Anthony L. Hughes
Thursday, January 18, 2018
My sincere condolences goes out to all the familys, Miss Frances was a friend of mine and may she rest in peace!!!
Lynette Burt Murphy
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Allison and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Keesee. Things were always so fun and lively when she was around. I know you will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Charlie Gervasini
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Very sorry to hear of Mrs. Keesee's passing. I worked at the
Bistro and I learned a lot working there. She was feisty and ready to get things done. God Bless your families.
Leslie Chin
Thursday, January 18, 2018
My sincere condolences to the Keesee family. Loved playing tennis with her and she certainly lived up to her nickname "Scrappy" on the courts. Many fond memories of her.
Bev and Norma Hargraves
Thursday, January 18, 2018
We are so sorry to her of the passing of your mom. She was one of my favorite "parents" when we were growing up in our neighborhood in Helena. She will leave a void in all of our lives, and was an inspiration to so many young adults. I will always remember our high school graduation party at your home; it is a miracle we survived! Love you and will miss your mom(and miss seeing you and Billy).
Bev
Madalyn Dortch
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Frances and I organized and led many, many trips and cruises. She was a delight to work with, and always welcomed me into her home. What a doll she was! I'm sure she's already organized something in Heaven.!
Karen Byrd Lavender and Carvill Fitzhugh
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Allison and Family, Your Mother will be missed, but her spirit will always remain with us to give joy in our hearts.
Barbara King
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Allison and family...I was so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She always had a smile, never met a stranger, and had more energy than the Energizer Bunny. She will always be remembered by everyone who new her. Please know that many caring thoughts are with you and your family.
Kay Clark Calderone
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Frances. I was her neighbor from 1997 to 2010. Jerry, Samantha and I loved visiting with her when she would stop by after walking. She was always asking if we needed anything. She was also helpful to me when Jerry passed away by checking on me and just letting me talk about him. I know the community will miss her.
Prayers for all of you as you say your earthly goodbyes.
Kay Clark Calderone
Billie
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Elizabeth, I am so sorry about your sweet Mother! She gave me several good recipes, and when I make them now, I will think of her. She will be missed by everyone that was blessed to have her in their life. You will all be in our prayers. Love Henry and Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Nina Waters
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Dear Allison and Elizabeth,
We are thinking of you and remembering your mother with great fondness.
Love,
Nina and Edmond
Gregory Woods
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Lois and I were so sorry to hear of Frances’ passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Reading Rev. 21:3, 4 and John 5:25 have always brought me comfort, and hopefully will do the same for you.
Pat Williams
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
She was so adorable and we will miss her. Lee used to call her "Speedy".
Margaret Kirk
Monday, January 15, 2018
Allison and family of a very dear lady. I pray that the good memories that were made growing as the children of Mrs. Francis will comfort you during this time of grief.
Mrs. Francis will be greatly missed by the entire community, especially the church family at St. John's.
Rest in peace my dear friend.