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Obituary for FRANCES C. HUTCHINS
Frances Catherine King Hutchins Her Life, Her Legacy, and Herstory
Barstow, Maryland – June 10, 1925
-- John Albert King and Frances Stewart King welcomed their daughter, Frances Catherine, into the world. She was the 7th of 14 siblings… Theodore, Rosie, Horace, Mary, Norman, Irene, Frances, Alice, Rachel, Twin Boys, James, Margaret, Robert, and Florence. In a 2005 interview Frances stated “I enjoyed life growing up with my brothers and sisters. For fun we played flag relay, dodge ball, dominos, and checkers. Daily chores included bringing water for her mom to wash with, make my bed, wash dishes, and wash clothes. Children today would not like to have lived in my time. We had lamps, no electricity, no phone, no running water, no TV or radio. But I was happy, I guess because there was plenty of lamp light. I attended only one school Central School in Prince Frederick, MD. Growing up with discrimination, we only attended public places which our race could go. Together the family attended Carroll Church in Barstow, MD. My clothes were made from flour sacks. I had five dresses I wore each two days. Our family raised tobacco, corn, wheat, soybeans, and livestock. I got my first job at age 16.”
Frances worked at her family tavern “Dukes” in Prince Frederick where she met her forever husband, George Washington Hutchins. George and Frances were joined in Holy matrimony on August 9, 1943. The newlyweds lived in Dowell, Maryland for a brief period and later built a house in 1944 in Lusby, MD. Between the two, they nurtured and loved 10 children, John, Anna, Antoinette(deceased), Maurice(deceased), Deborah, Phillip, Bridget, Francine, Terry, and Pamela. In 1972, they built their waterfront home in Dowell, MD.
An achievement Frances is most proud of is organizing the first Girl Scout Troop for African American girls in Calvert County in the early 1960’s.
Frances’ love for God, and service to others was an integral part of her life. She was a longtime member of St. John United Methodist Church in Lusby, MD. She served the church in various capacities: Chairperson of the Board of Child Care, former President of the United Methodist Women, VP of the Inter-Senior Choir, member of the EJYC’s Adopt-A-Grandparent Club; 2005 inductee of the Psalm 90:10 Club, Communion Steward, and Chairperson of the St. John Food Pantry. Frances loved to make herself available wherever needed. She loved traveling with her pastor and choir to other churches to sing and worship. Frances amassed a video library of the church’s history from the late 1980’s to the early 2000’s that she recorded herself.
As an adult, Frances loved fishing, crabbing, and traveling. Frances was modest, but no one would ever out-fish her. It was said that she usually caught the most and the largest fish. Frances was also known for her expansive wardrobe. Her favorite color was lilac.
Frances worked as a local domestic house cleaner for many years to help support her family. She was later employed at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD. Frances was named the “Un-Official Ambassador” of the museum because of the knowledge she had about marine-life ¬indigenous to this area, and about each of the exhibits. She always gave visitors a warm greeting to make them feel welcome. Later Frances became a Bailiff in the Circuit Courts of Calvert County. under the (late) Hon. Judge Thomas Rymer. Frances’ compassionate and loving character followed her to the courtroom, making her a beloved and respected addition to ensure peace and equity for everyone involved in each court proceeding. Her civic duties and commitment didn’t stop there. Frances was a poll worker many years for Calvert County’s, District 1 polling place at the Solomons Rescue Squad. Frances was active in the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement, participating in NAACP’s non-violent protest at local lunch counter sit-ins to ensure no one would be denied service because of their race.
Frances was a very happy mother and grandmother. At all the major holidays, you could find family and friends at her waterfront home having a great feast. Everyone was welcome to join the family. Her generosity and love knew no bounds. Frances loved vacation time. Her favorite was the annual family trip to Wildwood, NJ. After retirement, Frances, with walker in tow faithfully continued to attend church, and weekdays she’d catch the bus to the Southern Community Center, in Lusby to dine and fellowship with her new and lasting friends. Her life was full and meaningful, because of her faith in God.
In the early morning hours of Monday, November 9, 2020, Frances joined the many saints that have gone on before us to be with the One who is our hope and salvation. Her departing this world has left a strong legacy of love and fellowship. This is her legacy ~ Children: John (Ruth), Anna, Deborah, Phillip, Bridget, Francine (Ronald), Terry (Ann), and Pamela (Tim); Sisters: Rachel, Margaret (John), and Florence; Brothers: Robert (Etheline), and Norman; 43 Grandchildren; 78 Great-grandchildren; 39 Great-great grand-children; and a of host nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
17
Nov
9:00 AM11/17/2020 9:00:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
11/17/2020 11:00:00 AM
Sewell Funeral Home
1451 Dares Beach Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Due to the restrictions requiring social distancing, there will be a limit of 10 people in the viewing at one time. Face masks are required. Please limit your visit so that others may have an opportunity to pay their respects. After viewing, we ask that you exit the premises immediately. There will be no standing or gathering in any areas of the facility. Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time.
Sewell Funeral Home
1451 Dares Beach RoadPrince Frederick20678MD
United States
Graveside
Tuesday
17
Nov
11:45 AM11/17/2020 11:45:00 AM
- 12:45 PM
11/17/2020 12:45:00 PM
