Frances Miller Spencer was born on November 1, 1944, in Rice, Virginia to the late Henry and Maggie Miller. She was married to Lacy Augusta Spencer and from that union one daughter was born, Felecia Spencer Thornton, both who preceded her in death.

She attended the Prince Edward County Schools until the closing of the schools. As a result of the school closing, her parents sent her to reside with relatives in North Carolina to complete her education. She graduated from Granville High School in Stovall, North Carolina in 1964. She was a civil rights activist and fought for equal rights and fair education. Frances continued her education by attending Virginia Union University, and afterwards taught briefly. She was awarded her honorary diploma from the Prince Edward County High School in 2003.

Her employment consisted of working in various factories until she retired from the Amelia Dress Factory. In her desire to continue working, she became a van driver for the Prince Edward County Schools in which she worked until her death. She truly enjoyed her position as the van driver and the friendships she made along the way.

Frances was a faithful servant of the Lord from the time she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. She joined High Rock Baptist Church as a child and served there, faithfully. She was a member of the senior choir, mass choir and a Choir Director for many years. She served as the Sunday School Superintendent until her passing. Frances was one of the lead singers of the "Spiritual Sisters", a group in which she sang, primarily, with her mother and sisters and she composed some of the group's songs.

Frances lived a full life of fun and laughter. She brought laughter to anyone she met. She had the ability to lift spirits during unpleasant times. She enjoyed her family and her favorite past times were playing cards with her sisters on the weekends. She was the bridge that brought everyone together. She was the "cool aunt" and to know her was to love her!

To cherish her memory, Frances leaves a loving granddaughter, Zaria Thornton, who is her pride and joy. A devoted son in law, Brad Thornton, one living sister, Berlean Smith Also, a devoted core group of people who shared family holidays, vacations, birthdays, house projects, transportation, luncheons, and phone calls, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.