Funeral services for Mrs. Frances Sherman Myers were conducted at 12 noon on Friday, June 14, 2024, at New Hebron Baptist Church with interment following in the New Hebron Cemetery. The Reverend Jimmie Wood officiated, assisted by Reverend Mike Grenn and Reverend Andy Fullington. Mrs. Myers, age 95, entered the eternal rest of her Lord early Friday morning, June 7, 2024, at the Simpson County General Hospital in Mendenhall. Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
The family received friends on Friday, June 14, 2024, beginning at 10 a.m. until the hour of service at 12 noon at New Hebron Baptist Church.
Mrs. Myers was carried to her final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers; they included Randy Shivers, Paul Riley, Tommy White, Benton Bell, Benjamin Little and Jeremy Little. Honorary pallbearers included Bobby Lee, Bobby Cole, Dick Cole, Ron Cole, Myles Little (posthumously) and her two great-grandsons, Henley Bell and Walton Bell.
Frances Sherman Myers, the oldest resident of New Hebron, was born on November 29, 1928, in the Bridgeport community of Simpson County. The youngest of five children born to Turner Benjamin and Lena Dent Sherman, she was named Ellen Frances. She attended Bridgeport School 1st through 8th grades. She then attended New Hebron High School and graduated in 1947.
Growing up, Frances spent many hours in New Hebron. The telephone company was owned by her aunt, Elnora Hilton. Frances was expected at an early age, and lifted by pillows to a comfortable height, to man the switchboard, as she said, "Number, please," and connected the call.
In August, 1947, Frances married the love of her life, Myles Eugene Myers. They started their life together in Jackson, where Frances worked as an office assistant and secretary to several companies, including Cabell Electric. In 1952, Eugene and Frances moved back to New Hebron to settle down and start a family and life.
A baby girl, Rhonda Frances, was born into the family, and in 1961, they moved across town to their new home. In 1962, Frances was asked to assist teaching 4 and 5 year olds in a kindergarten setting. This was a venture that she later owned and continued for 16 years. Eventually, she moved the kindergarten into the basement of her home. She attended preschool workshops at the University of Southern Mississippi so that she could become the best teacher for her students.
Frances was an active member of New Hebron Baptist Church, where she taught children in Sunday School for many years. She participated in over 20 missions trips with her church to other states, where she helped prepare meals for the workers and taught Backyard Bible Clubs to the children in the area. She was also a member of the Woman's Club and was a part of numerous charitable projects which focused on improving New Hebron. She and Eugene were supporters of The Golden Bear Marching Band and assisted with many of their programs, such as helping to manage the concession stand at home football games.
In 1990, Eugene and Frances, along with John and Janice Flynt, opened Tri-County Grocery. This was done as an effort to bring a larger grocery store to the people of New Hebron and the surrounding tri-county area of Lawrence, Simpson and Jefferson Davis counties.
After her retirement, Frances spent countless hours sewing and quilting. It brought her great joy to sew and cook delicious meals for her family and friends.
Mrs. Myers is preceded in death by her parents, Turner and Lena Dent Sherman; her husband, Eugene Myers; great-grandson, Myles Little; sisters, Irene Smith, Louise (Bob) Cole, Nell (Archie) Lee and her brother, John (Connie) Sherman.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her daughter, Rhonda M. (Eddie) Little of New Hebron; three grandchildren, Jeremy (Anne) Little, Benjamin Little, Bethany (Benton) Bell and her great-grandchildren, Corrie Little, Henley, Walton, Caroline and Adley Bell.
Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Mrs. Myers' memory to:
New Hebron Baptist Church Children’s Ministry Building Fund
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
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