Frances Stokes Morris, age 71, passed away at her home in Studio City, California on June 6, 2011 after a brief illness. She was born in Chipley, Florida on August 5, 1939, the youngest child of John and Edith Stokes. She was the granddaughter of Rev. George N. Winslett, who was responsible for the building of the First United Methodist Church in Chipley in 1903.

Frances graduated from Chipley High School and continued her education at the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Pensacola, Florida. She received her RN degree from the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. She spent her long and distinguished nursing career in the Los Angeles, California area, retiring from the Liberty Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Frances enjoyed her leisure time pursuits with a great intensity. She was well-known as a gourmet cook and enjoyed catering activities with an upscale food club. She was able to refinish old furniture like a true professional. She had a special love for antiques and owned many fine pieces.

Although she spent her adult life in a large city, Frances was devoted to her hometown, Chipley, Florida. She cherished the memories of growing up in a small Southern community and the citizens and dear friends who touched her life forever. She continued to eagerly read the online newspapers from Chipley and looked forward to visiting when she could.

The family would like to extend special appreciation to Frances' friends who have always provided unconditional love and exceptional support.

Frances is predeceased by her parents, a sister, Carolyn Stokes Nelson, brother-in-laws, Leon Nelson, M.D. Hayes and nephew, Keith Nelson. She is survived by her son, Sam Morris, San Francisco, California; daughter, Heather Morris, Studio City, California; brother, George (Sonny) Stokes (Helen), Aurora, Colorado; sister, Margaret Ann Stokes Hayes, Chattahoochee, Florida; nieces, Edee Janton (Ron), Bolton, Connecticut, Michelle Strickland (David), Colorado Springs, Colorado; nephews Mark Stokes (Nancy), Centennial, Colorado, Robert Hayes (Jane), Tallahassee, Florida, Colvin Hayes (Patti), Auburn ,Alabama, Cary Nelson, Atlanta, Georgia and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Memorial services will be held Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10 A.M. in the Chipley First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jerry May officiating. Brown Funeral Home of Chipley is in charge of local arrangements.