Frances Theresa Minchew

HOMER, LA: Private funeral services were held at Rose-Neath Kilpatrick Funeral Home, with Fr. Pike Thomas serving as officiant, for Mrs. Frances Hightower Minchew (age 77), who passed away at her residence on December 25, 2020 following a lengthy illness. Frances was born on April 8, 1943, to Frank Tennyson Hightower and Sarah Edna Mae (nee Arceneaux) in Minden, LA. She grew up in Homer, LA where she attended Homer High School, was a trumpet player in the Pelican Marching Band, and involved in several extracurricular organizations until she graduated in 1961. She pursued higher education at the University of Southern Louisiana, currently known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette earning a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics and Education. Frances married Robert Anthony Thompson of Shreveport, LA in June of 1965 and had four children. Over the years she taught in both public and private schools in the Baton Rouge area. When the marriage concluded, she returned to Homer to continue her teaching career and rear her children and be near family. In 1981 she married West Minchew of Newellton, LA and was instrumental in relocating and expanding Sunrise Bakery and Restaurant. She contributed to many meals and celebrations there and at the Homer Country Club and other venues around the area. Those who enjoyed their meals at the "Bakery" were not only customers, they were friends. During this time she also attended SAU and NLU to complete a Master's Degree in Library Science. She concluded her teaching career at Claiborne Academy retiring from teaching to devote her full attention to the family business. Among her many talents she was an avid seamstress, quilter, reader, and enjoyed solving crosswords and crypt-a-quote. Until her illness, she was active at St. Margaret's Catholic Church and designed and created linens for the church as well as vestments for the priests. She fashioned many garments for her children and grandchildren ranging from baptismal gowns, wedding dresses, to hunting apparel. Though an expert seamstress, she continued to attend sewing classes in Ruston to master her craft while learning new techniques. She was a devoted member of the Claiborne Parish chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and encouraged her daughters and granddaughters to honor our ancestors, veterans, and country as she did. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers John S. and Patrick Hightower, and step-son, Michael Minchew. Frances is survived by her husband, West Minchew, her four children: Kaylon Thompson French, David Thompson (Paula), Camille Thompson Wise, and Nathan Thompson (Jennifer); stepson Robert, and stepson John (Denise); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Joseph Hightower (Laverne) and sister Catherine Hightower Graham, nieces, nephews, their families and a host of very dear friends. Pallbearers were David Thompson, Nathan Thompson, Garrett Wise, Chris Hightower, Jason Graham, and Destin Ware. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Manish Dhawan, Dr. Cliff Salmon, Dr. Sam Abshire, Dr. Scott Haynes, Dr. Clint Butler, Dr. Mark Haynes, the staff of Claiborne Memorial Hospital and the individual services of Debbie Harmon, RN for their kind and compassionate care throughout the years of her extended illness. Please respect the family's wishes for their request for a private, family-only service, in order to protect people from illness. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family asks that any remembrance of her life to be in the form of donation to a charity or organization of your choice in her name. Please continue to pray for the repose of her soul and for the family throughout this difficult time. Be sweet!

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110