Frances Loy Grimes, age 100, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, died peacefully in her home on September 13, 2023.
She was born in 1923 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Charles and Nellie Loy.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, beloved Fayetteville dentist Dr. William Frankel Grimes in 2011 and her daughter Elizabeth Grimes Droessler of Raleigh in 2022.
She graduated from Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs with a bachelor’s degree in music, majoring in violin and public-school music. She taught music in many schools for nearly 30 years.
Frances is a founding member of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (1956). She played violin and viola for the symphony until her retirement at the age of 73. She continued to play in string quartets for receptions and musical shows.
An avid quilter, Frances completed dozens of beautiful quilts, one of which was displayed on her late husband’s casket.
She is survived by her son Bill Grimes, married to Jan Grimes of Prairieville, Louisiana; two grandsons Jonathan Grimes and Fr. Tim Grimes, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and son-in-law Chris Droessler, of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Memorial contributions should be given to the William and Frances Grimes Music Scholarship at Methodist University.
CityView Magazine article about Frances Grimes's 100th birthday celebration.
Recording of the graveside service on September 21, 2023.