Frances Johnson Stevenson, accomplished soloist
Frances Johnson Stevenson, 91, of Lewes, passed away peacefully and into the heavenly choir Tuesday, April 18, 2023. She was born May 10, 1931, in Wilmington, youngest child of the late Clarence and Maryland Johnson.
Fran grew up in the Forty Acres neighborhood with her four siblings. She graduated from P. S. DuPont High School and studied French and Spanish education at the University of Delaware, where she met her future husband, William Henry Stevenson III. She married the love of her life Dec. 23, 1950, and for the next 59 years, raised their four children and shared a lifetime of love and adventure.
Fran enjoyed a varied career of teaching Spanish and French, raising four beloved children, and in retirement, running the Greystone Bed and Breakfast with her husband, Bill. An accomplished soloist, she sang in many church choirs, performing at the weddings of her children and countless other weddings, Sunday services and funerals. Her many hobbies included sewing, crafts, quilting, cooking and reading. Fran’s love of playing tennis continued until she was in her 80s, playing and winning twice a week against often much younger players. She loved her water aerobics classes, staying lean and fit until the end of her busy, fun, and love-filled life.
Fran was predeceased by her soul mate William H. Stevenson III; and her baby granddaughter Lyn Mota. She is survived by her four children: Lyn Traxler (Charles) of Winter Haven, Fla., Robin Lester (Kenneth) of St. Georges, William H. Stevenson IV (Geni) of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Edward L. H. Stevenson of Lewes; her grandchildren, Katharine Mowery (Adam), Sarah Lester, Anthony Mota (Allessandra) and Hilson Mota Jr. (Simone); and her great-grandchildren, Jonathan Mota, Arthur Mota, Sarah Mota, William Mota, Jacob Mota, Crawford Mowery and Sidney Mowery, who were the great joys of her life.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 22, at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
Final care has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lewes Presbyterian Church, or to International FOXP1 Foundation, P.O. Box 846, Mendenhall, PA 19357, foxp1.org/donate.
Visit Fran’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
