France Coley

Frances Ann Coley was born on June 12 th , 1956, at Chestnut Hill Hospital to the late William Thurman
Gaines Sr and late Frances Lilly Gaines. Frances or Franny as we called her was one of nine children,
raised in Mt Airy section of Philadelphia. Frances was baptized in Janes Methodist Memorial Church. At
the tender age of seven, Frances was playing outside with her older sister/best friend Margo and
another childhood friend, when a car came and struck them. That day Franny lost her sister. Margo and
Franny were inseparable. After a long recovery, Frances grew up on Sharpnack Street with her other
siblings, but she never forgot Margo and her life was not easy without her. Frances attended E.C Emlen,
Roosvelt Jr High, and Germantown High Schools. Today it is an honor to remember the good memories
of Frances. Frances loved to ride her bicycle and take long hikes with her siblings and friends to Valley
Green. Frances ran track for Mallory Playground and Recreation Center. She won several trophies and
medals. She was a fine young athlete. In winter, Franny would go sledding in the park with her friends
and siblings with an old wooden sled. She also enjoyed music. Frances loved to sing while sitting in the
dining room sipping her favorite beer (after the age of twenty-one of course). Frances loved kids. When
she went to the mall, she would always take one of her three oldest nephews with her and treat them to
a soda, hotdog, candy, or a new outfit. When Frances became older, she moved into assisted living in
Germantown and later moved to an assisted living in West Philadelphia and made many new friends.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents William Thurman Gaines Senior and Frances Lily Jones
Gaines, brothers Billy, Lex and sister Margo.
She is survived by her siblings E. Cissy, Norma, Lillian, Henson and Bruce, in-laws, many nieces and
nephews, great nephews and nieces and great grand nephews and nieces. Cousins and a host of friends
and relatives.
Frances was and will always remain in our hearts.
Franny our beloved sister left us with many, many fond memories to cherish and remember

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