Frances Stalcup Obituary

Obituary of Frances B. Stalcup

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Frances B. Stalcup Ridgeland, MS Frances Barry Stalcup, a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, beloved sister and friend, passed peacefully into her heavenly home on July 21, 2025. She was 81. Born on January 28, 1944, in Columbia, South Carolina, Frances was the first of four daughters born to the late Alfred and Clara Barry. She spent her early years grounded in the values of faith, family, and kindness-virtues she carried with her throughout her life. Frances earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Southeastern Louisiana University and went on to shape countless young lives as an elementary school teacher in Hammond, Louisiana, and a special education teacher at Brandon High School in Brandon, Mississippi. Later, she became co-owner of The Barry Patch, a fixture in the central Mississippi community for many decades, where her creativity, eye for design, and generous spirit were felt by everyone who walked through its doors. Frances had a smile that could light up a room and a heart that lifted others. She was selfless, deeply thoughtful, and always placed the needs of others before her own. Her creativity knew no bounds-she found joy in sewing, designing, monogramming, and crafting beautiful gifts that brought joy to so many. From handmade pajamas for her grandkids to unique bookmarks and lollipop covers for classroom visits, she had an unmatched ability to make the ordinary magical. A proud and loving matriarch, Frances was the mother of two daughters and "Nannie", which she was affectionately known as, to six grandchildren, all of whom she adored and celebrated fiercely. She was a constant, joyful presence in their lives-reading aloud in classrooms, baking sweet treats, telling bedtime stories, and cheering them on at every turn. Whether it was waiting in line for the midnight release of a Harry Potter book, snagging the latest PlayStation before Christmas, or sharing her love for petit fours and the perfect bakery, she created memories that will be cherished forever. Frances also had a deep passion for life's simple pleasures: beach vacations, Saturday Pilates classes followed by lunch and shopping, Broadway shows in New York, crab crawls in the surf, and hours of laughter in the company of those she loved most. Her vibrant spirit is all part of the lasting imprint she leaves behind. Frances is survived by her devoted husband of over sixty years and high school sweetheart, Jerry Stalcup, whom she married on December 20, 1964, in New Orleans, Louisiana.; daughters Claudia Long (Chris) of Clemson, South Carolina and Shelley Hughes (Chris) of Madison Mississippi; grandchildren, Jack Long of Washington D.C., Abby Grace Hughes of Nashville, Tennessee, Bailey Long of Columbia, South Carolina, Madeline Claire Hughes of Madison, Mississippi, Dixon Hughes of Madison, Mississippi, and Grant Hughes of Madison, Mississippi; her beloved sisters, Beth Barry of Houston, Texas; Karyn Barry of Boston, Massachusetts; and Vickie Ferman of McComb, Mississippi. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church at 307 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, Mississippi beginning with visitation at 11:00am, followed by a service at 11:30 am. "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23:6