Frances Annette James

of Little Rock, AR

August 22, 1942 - May 4, 2022

Frances Annette James was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She left this world on May 4th, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer's and a brief but courageous fight with cancer.

She was born on August 22nd, 1942 in Carlisle, Arkansas to Richard and Myrl Carpenter. After graduating from high school, she attended Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas where she obtained an associate's degree. Frances moved to the big city-Little Rock-after college and worked at the governor's office for then governor Winthrop Rockefeller. During this time, she frequently couriered her younger sisters, Sherri and Glenda, to Little Rock from Carlisle, taking them shopping and showing them the sights. It was in Little Rock, while working at Retail Credit with Betty Griffis (nee James), that she met her future husband, Ray James (Betty's brother), one stormy night. After 10 years off and on, they finally decided to marry on May 7th, 1972-the best decision Ray ever made. Frances died just 3 days shy of what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. She was wonderful with children and with Ray had 3 kids that she cherished.

Frances worked for 35 years as a surgery scheduler at St. Vincent Infirmary and Baptist Medical Center before retiring in 2006. She then spent several years taking art classes at UALR, taking trips to see her beloved kids and grandkids, and making the best thanksgiving dressing that, despite their best attempts, her children will never be able to recreate. She was a self-taught pianist and amazing artist before Alzheimer's took hold. Frances loved the Lord and was a Church pianist and Sunday school teacher. She was a member of West Heights Baptist Church and then Temple Baptist Church (now South City Church) for many years.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ray James, her three children- Jason James (Christina), Amy Lake (Patrick), and Carrie Sokol (Set), 8 grandchildren - Madeline, Garrett, Elliot, Marie, Wyatt, Cora, Calvin, and Errol, 5 brothers and sisters - Karen, Doyne, Benny, Sherri, and Glenda. She is predeceased by her parents and one sister, Doris Jean.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. on Monday, May 9, 2022 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas. Visitation will be Sunday, May 8, 2022 from 4:00 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Service Information
Visitation
Roller Chenal Funeral Home Chapel
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock,  AR 72211
5/8/2022 at 4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Service
Funeral Service
Roller Chenal Funeral Home Chapel
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock,  AR 72211
5/9/2022 at 2:00 P.M.H

Cemetery/Interment
Halstead Cemetery
Church Road
Little Rock, AR 72210
 


Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com