Frances De Vane Parham

Frances DeVane Parham, 85, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Thursday March 23, 2023 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington,NC.

The daughter of the late Lucie H. Fryar and Claude H. Fryar, M.D., she was born in Greensboro, NC. She grew up in a loving family of four sisters first in Summerfield, NC
and then, upon the family’s relocation, in Carolina Beach, NC.

She met, and later married, Ruff A. DeVane, when she worked at the NC State Ports Authority in Wilmington, NC. They created a loving home for their two daughters, Beth D. Justice, and Ashley DeVane. In addition to being a busy homemaker, Frances worked for many years in public health, where she formed many lifelong bonds and friendships. Her last position before retirement was Administrative Assistant to the Health Director at the New Hanover County Health Department. She was also an active member of the Wilmington Woman’s Club.

Frances was one of those fortunate enough to find love a second time later in life, when she met and subsequently married Daniel Roy Parham. Their cherished time together has been filled with the simple joys of daily life, social gatherings with family and friends, and memorable travel adventures near and far, ranging from the NC mountains to Paris. Although their life together was affected and curtailed more recently by Frances’s illness, moments of joy remained. Dan’s loving care and devotion to Frances, particularly during her illness, has been inspiring. In her faith life, Frances was a member of St. Andrews On-the-Sound Episcopal Church, where she and Dan actively participated in parish life. They assisted in the serving of the Seder meal and Frances was a member of Daughters of the King.

Frances is survived by her husband, Daniel Roy Parham; her two daughters, Beth D. Justice (Robby) of Wilmington, NC and Ashley DeVane of Leland, NC; her much beloved granddaughter, Brittany Elise Justice of Wilmington, NC; her two sisters Ida Singleton of Jacksonville, FL and Elizabeth Kurtz of Thomasville, GA; in addition to her many dear nieces, nephews, and stepchildren. She was predeceased by her former husband Ruff A. DeVane; her sister Lucie F. Harrell; and her brothers-in-law Ollie SIngleton, Don Harrell, and Roland Kurtz.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews-on the-Sound Episcopal Church on Wednesday, March 29 at 11:00 a.m. to be followed by a graveside service and
internment at Oakdale Cemetery.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to her care team including Lillie Felder, CNA, and the Cape Fear LifeCare nurses and caretakers.

Those who wish to make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers might consider the Alzheimer’s Association, Lower Cape fear LifeCare, and St. Andrews On the-Sound Episcopal Church.

Condolences may be shared by visiting the “Tribute Wall”

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st St. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099