Frances L. Mcroy

Frances’ Journey on Earth

Frances LaVeda McRoy RayThurman or “Fran” as she was affectionately called by many, was born October13, 1941 to Paul and Polly McRoy in Indianapolis, IN.

She was preceded indeath by her parents, and siblings James Paul McRoy; Lionel Louis McRoy; andEmma VerNeda Mitchell.

Frances attended JohnHope Indianapolis Public School #26, then later attended Shortridge High School,and graduated in January 1960. She alsoattended Indiana Business College.

At age 17, Frances, wholoved singing was asked to sing with the R&B singing group called the “Emeralds”,that was her first induction to music. After leaving R&B, she joined St. Rita’s Catholic Church and musictook a different turn.

As a member of St.Rita’s Catholic Church Frances began singing with “Free Spirit Gospel Choir”, “TheEmmaus Choir” and later with “Jackie Wells and the Wells Singers”. Loving music so much, she began taking pianolessons with the jazz great Melvin Ryhne.

Frances married CharlesThomas Ray on April 4, 1964 to that union they had two lovely son’s CharlesThomas Ray Jr. and Scott Anthony Ray. She was an active member of the PTO organization at St. Rita’s. Franceswas also a member of the American Business Woman Association. Many years later she was joined in matrimonyto Donald Luther Thurman and they had one lovely son Donald Thurman Jr.

Frances worked at FortBenjamin Harrison until 1975. She was employedwith Indiana Bell Phone Company and AT&T Phone Company until 2007 when sheretired with 29 years of service.

After moving back toIndianapolis from Los Angeles, CA, Frances joined Northside New Era BaptistChurch. There she was a volunteer receptionistand also on the Greeter Ministry.

In 2012, Frances beganto fulfill a life-long passion of nursing, when she began working with theelderly at Senior Home Companions. Itwas also during this time that Frances returned to the church of her childhood,

New Bethel Missionary BaptistChurch. She worked with the CancerAwareness Group and was involved in the Women’s Ministry Group.

Frances loved to travel,shop and loved spending time with her grandkids. She cherished those in her “Sister FriendsCircle” and their many afternoon lunches. Frances also loved ocean views anddreamed of moving closer to the Gulf Coast.

She leaves to cherish hermemory: her sister Joyce Ann McRoyRollins; three sons Charles (Vicky) Ray, Jr., Ventura, CA; Scott (LaVada) Rayand Donald Thurman Jr. of Indianapolis; with a special love for all ofher grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews,relatives, friends and her church family.