Frances Marie Booth

Frances Marie Booth was born on December 10, 1933, and one of six children to her father, Pastor John Willie Batty and her mother, Ernestine Gallaway-Batty. Frances accepted Christ at an early age while at her father's church, Zion Traveler's Baptist Church in Dallas, TX, where she learned the word of God and at just 14 years old, she would sing in the church choir. As an adolescent unbeknownst to her, Frances would meet the love of her life, Robert Booth. In high school, both Frances and Robert were friends and athletes. Frances ran track and Robert played baseball. Robert would then enlist in the United States Navy. Not too long after enlisting in the Navy, Robert would return to Dallas and ask for Frances' hand in marriage. With the blessing for holy matrimony given to them by Frances' father Pastor Batty, they would marry in 1955 in Dallas, TX. Frances a fiercely loyal wife for 59 years, until his death on September 15th, 2014.

Frances believed in service to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ and united with the Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend JD Houston was the pastor.

Frances the bible scholar of her family she mentored her children in the ways of the Lord even if they did not stay on the path of righteousness.

Frances was an amazing muse of musical talent. She could sing as low as a contralto and as high as a first soprano. Frances dreamed of becoming a classically trained opera singer performer but instead gave all her talent to the service of the Lord Jesus Christ and his church.

Frances was a full time Minister of Music at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church for 40 years playing both piano and organ and as a music teacher to many who wanted to sing for God but could not carry a tune. Sister Booth, as we affectionately heard her called, changed many lives instructing, and coaching eager members of choirs covering local and district association churches for years.

Frances and Robert residents of San Jose California from 1956 began to raise their family and it continued to grow.

Frances, a full-time mother, raised her children and helped form the lives of existing living grandchildren and some adopted children who needed shelter from the storm of life. The Booth household always had a room in the house to give shelter, or a place at the dinner table to feed another mouth. This action continued until they relocated as a family to Las Vegas Nevada in June 1999 and picked right up extending love to those who needed it.

Frances was the chef of this large group, and her recipes remain in the hearts of her children and grandchildren and are now used while raising their own families.

Frances was a part time bookkeeper with Sears, Roebuck and Co. in San Jose, Ca. for 26 years until her retirement.

Frances believed in service in the church after relocation to Las Vegas, NV, Frances found church families to serve as a working associate member of the congregation. Working with and alongside resident pastors and members alike playing for church congregations who needed a pianist or a soloist. Frances was always up for service.

Frances was a prayer warrior, a member of a women’s prayer group who would wake early in the morning and pray for where the spirit of God would take them. We live by those prayers to this day.

Her Children, friends and well-wishers proclaim a “Season of rest for Frances Marie Booth” you have kept the faith and you finished your course. We will meet you on that peaceful shore never to study war no more. Your children and all who loved you to the end.

Frances was an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend until she passed May 12, 2023, at the age of 89. She leaves to cherish her memories, 5 sons: Kenneth (Sheila), Lemuel E. (Yvonne), Robert A., Kevin, Gary and 2 daughters: Johnna Kay Stephens (Tommy), Patricia.

She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband Robert “Pookie”, who passed in September 2014. Father, John Willie Batty and mother, Ernestine Gallaway-Batty, Brothers: John Willie Batty Jr, Edward Earl Batty and sisters, Esther Faye Dillard, Margie Faye Wallace, and Thelma Jo Hunt.

Proverbs 31 says “Who can find a virtuous woman for her worth is far above rubies”.