Frances Wilson

Frances Wilson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Asheville, at the age of 86. Born on July 11, 1939, in Buncombe County, she lived a life dedicated to her family and her faith.

Frances was the daughter of Charles and Nellie McKinney, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Claude Wilson, and her sister, Wanda Ray.

A lifelong resident of Enka-Candler and Asheville, Frances worked for the Biltmore Company for many years alongside her husband, Claude. She also worked for Stone Soup Restaurant and retired from Gudger’s Flowers in West Asheville.

Frances attended Elk Mountain Baptist Church for the past 10 years. She loved her church family and loved taking part in the many activities there. Frances loved decorating and her house was decorated early for every holiday, so that her kids and grandkids could enjoy the decorations longer for each holiday. She loved flowers of every kind and loved her many flower gardens and was particularly fond of Orchids.

Above all, Frances treasured her family. She was a loving mother to Patrica Sprinkle (Jackie), Charlene Riddle (Ben) and Rhonda Warren (John Fisher). She found deep pride and happiness in her grandchildren: Jackie Sprinkle Jr. (Margaret), Ashley Armstrong (Allen), Meghan Chambers (Burt), Amy Frohman (Chris), and Samuel Warren (Kristen), Savina Sprinkle, Selena Sprinkle, and Ray Sprinkle; as well as in her great-grandchildren: Hope, Ellie, Penelope, Wren, Teddy and Arthur and her grandchildren in love, Lisa and James Sprinkle.

Frances is also survived by her sisters, Judy Johnston and Rachel Johnston (Victor). She leaves behind many nieces and nephews who cherished her and held a special place in her heart. The family would also like to thank her special caregivers Deb Sharp, Kayla Chandler and Jill Farmer. We appreciate all they have done for Frances over the past few weeks.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Frances’ life on Monday, July 13, 2026, with visitation at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home with Pastor Bradley Collins and Pastor Mike Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Atrium Health Foundation, Levine Children’s Hospital Fund in honor of Arthur Amstrong, 7800 Providence Road, Suite 208, Charlotte, NC 28226 or to Elk Mountain Baptist Children’s Church Fund, 197 Elk Mountain Road, Asheville, NC 28804.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Wilson family.