Opal Frances Rowe Mason

Published 8:02 pm Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Mrs. Opal Frances Rowe Mason, 82, of Raleigh, formerly of Blounts Creek, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

Frances, one of six children, was born on November 6, 1934 in Blounts Creek, North Carolina to the late Esau and Annie Norman Rowe. Frances was a vital force in many people’s lives: her family, her community, her husband’s business and her church. She was a constant, positive element in every person’s life that she encountered.

Frances is predeceased by her beloved husband of 42 years, William B. Mason, her parents, and five siblings: Mae Rowe, Alton Rowe, Celia Shoosmith, Essie Spruill and Thelma Bennett.

She is survived by her loving sons, William, and partner Michael W. Osborne, and Jerry, and wife, Georgina, both of Raleigh; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Frances’ life on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 11:00 am at Original Freewill Baptist Church, 154 Flat Swamp Road, Blounts Creek. A reception will follow the memorial service at church, and the family requests no gifts of food be brought by those attending. A private burial will be held after the reception for immediate family members. Due to Frances’ love for nature and the simple gestures in life, her family asks that all attendants bring a single flower, or even a tree clipping, as an ode to Frances and all of the ways she touched each person she met.

If you wish to make a memorial in Frances’ name, the family invites you to pick a charity near to your heart, as Frances was involved in so many herself, whether it assisted veterans, the Earth or her community. She always aimed to do good, in all the ways she could, in all of the places she could, for as long as she could.

Frances’ family wishes to thank Rex Convalescent Care Center, where Frances had been for the past 2 years, for the loving care and support they never ceased to give. The family would like to suggest Rex Convalescent Care Center, as well, as the recipient of any memorial gifts, as just one tiny way to thank them for everything they have done.