Deaconess Frances Donella Mason

Life Reflection Frances Donella Mason was born October 7, 1936 to the late Richard and Olivia Simmons in Richmond, Virginia. She was called home to the gates of heaven as her daughter Sylvia sat by her side and beheld her mother’s transition with the angels of glory, Tuesday, August 18, 2015. She was preceded in death by her son Rodman K. Mason; sisters Genevieve Bonaparte, Shirley Hobbs, Delores Simmons and Hilda Paige. She received her formal education from the Richmond Public School System, graduating from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1954. Frances was active in a number of extracurricular activities, Cheerleading, the Pep Squad and the Future Homemakers of America. She accepted Christ at an early age and was spiritual blessed with Bethelem Baptist Church. She loved her church family and served on various ministries: President of the Deaconess Board, President of the Royal Ushers, a Sunday School Teacher, and was Director of Vacation Bible School. She also played an integral part of the Food Ministry which she enjoyed doing the most. Frances D. Simmons was united in holy matrimony to Rodman E. Mason on December 16, 1955 in Richmond, Virginia. Their union was blessed with four lovely children. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt; a loving and giving person of faith. Frances dedicated herself to making a warm and loving home for her family. The light of her family, she was a true reflection of God’s love. At her leisure, she enjoyed reading books, especially the Bible and working on crossword puzzles. She was also known to be an excellent cook and everyone wanted her fried chicken! At the age of 55, Frances furthered her education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and received her Associates Degree in Accounting. After receiving her Associates in Accounting, Frances was Employed by the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) as an accountant. In 1999, their dedicated and loyal employee retired. Frances leaves to cherish her memory loving son, Everett A. Mason; four devoted daughters, Sylvia D. Mason, Crystal O. Mason and Olivia D. Brown; three grandchildren, Brandon R. Hannon, Britny O. Hannon and Courtney A. Mason; three sisters, Dorothy Cherry (Robert), Beatrice Taylor and Vernice Johnson; a host of nieces and nephews; devoted nieces, Theresa A. Simmons and Toni Cherry (Robert); a dear family friend, Rodman Mason (Virginia); other relatives and many friends from the Randolph Place.

Tributes

Deaconess Frances Donella Mason

October 7, 1936 - August 18, 2015