Frances J. Wyche

A LIFE WELL LIVED “To every thing there is a season, and time to every purpose under the heaven.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1 A TIME TO BE BORN… Frances Jefferson Wyche was born on September 29, 1943 in Emporia, VA to Joshua Lee Jefferson, Sr. and Theresa Fleming Jefferson. She was the second oldest of five children and the only girl. A TIME FOR ETERNAL REST… On Thursday, July 17, 2025, after several years of various ailments Frances, while at home, entered into eternal rest, with her husband Michael at her side and holding her. A TIME TO LEARN… Frances was educated in the public schools in Emporia, VA. She graduated from Edward W. Wyatt High School in 1961, where she participated in the school choir, was a drum majorette, was elected twice to be Homecoming Queen and once as Tournament Queen, played basketball, ran track, and skated. Afterward she attended Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA, graduating in 1965 as a Business Education Major. In college, Frances became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. A TIME TO LOVE… Frances was married to her childhood sweetheart Michael F. Wyche on November 6, 1965. Their marriage endured for 59 years. From their union they were blessed with three sons, Michael, Marcus, and Brandon, and one daughter, Darien. A TIME TO WORK… Frances entered into the federal government working for the General Services Administration for three years. Afterward, she entered into the field of teaching. She taught at Hart Junior High School, Gordon Middle School, Spingarn Senior High School (her longest tenure), and Ballou Senior High School. She retired from teaching in 2004. Frances was part of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and was a member of the Washington Teachers Union. A TIME TO ENTER THE LORD’S SERVICE… Frances accepted Christ at an early age in Emporia, VA. She was baptized at Royal Baptist Church and attended church faithfully, participating in church activities. When she left Emporia and relocated to Washington, DC she united with Trinidad Baptist Church in 1967. At Trinidad, Frances served in various ministries, including Children’s Church, the Children’s Youth Choir, Awana, Dance Ministry, Drama Ministry, and the Senior Ushers Ministry. A TIME TO LIVE AND LAUGH… Frances enjoyed people and having a fun time. Her activities included a bowling league and traveling. Her travels included trips to New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, Florida, Texas, Hawai’i, and Cancun, as well as cruises to Bermuda and Montego Bay, Jamaica. Her international travels also included Amsterdam, Toronto and Niagara Falls, Canada, Ghana, and South Africa. Known for her infectious smile, Frances was also praised for making delicious sweet potato pie, pineapple upside down cake, and legendary banana pudding. A TIME TO HEAL… Frances faced several medical challenges in recent years, including Parkinson’s Disease. She was blessed to be of sound mind and body for most of her life until her last years when Parkinson’s progressed and her health declined. A TIME TO MOURN… Frances was preceded in death by her parents Theresa and Joshua Jefferson, Sr.; three brothers Stevie, Alonza “Lonnie,” and Joshua Jr.; mothers-in-law Viola Mayfield, Eliza Joyner, and Agnes Wyche; aunt Annie Tillar; father-in-law Bennie Wyche; sister-in-law Elaine Jefferson; sister-in-law Patricia “Patsy” Smith; daughter-in-law Anna Wyche; nephew Kenneth Jefferson; and nephew Pierre “Percy” White. She leaves to cherish her memory: Michael, her devoted husband of 59 years; three sons, Michael Dijon (Melissa), Marcus, and Brandon (Nicole); one daughter, Darien; adopted daughter Melinda Copeland; brother Nathaniel; brother-in-law Gilbert Joyner (Gloria); sisters-in-law Elizabeth White, Bettie Claude, Gloria Jefferson, Barbara Rucker, Shirley Marie Jefferson, and Gloria “Pumpkin” Joyner; grandchildren Devontay Wyche, Avery Wyche, and Eric Holland; a great-grandson, Brendon Wyche; a great-granddaughter, Sanai Holland; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, friends, and loved ones. ------------------------- To learn more about Parkinson's Disease or make a donation, please visit the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org.

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Frances J. Wyche

September 29, 1943 - July 17, 2025