Frances Law Matthews Arrington
Frances Law Matthews Arrington, age 91 of Roanoke, formerly of Rocky Mount, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 25, 2025. She was born to the late Claude and Ida Law of Glade Hill, Virginia on April 23, 1934. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Nelson Matthews; her husband Harry Arrington; her sister Ruby Law Potter; her brother Raymond Law; and step son Dickie Arrington.
Left to her cherish her memory are her son, Ricky Matthews and wife Kathy, her step son Paul Arrington and wife Jenny, and step son Noel Arrington. She is also survived by her grandchildren Heather Matthews Anderson (Eric), Chad Arrington (Daria), Kelly Arrington Dunbar (Matt), Jennifer Arrington Corbin (Chris), Richard Arrington (Kristi), Justin Arrington (Amanda), Sam Arrington, Mac Arrington 13 great-grandchildren; and a special niece Pamela Sue Potter.
Frances was a faithful member of Woodlawn Baptist Church and Sandy Ridge Baptist Church. She was proud to serve as a children's Sunday school teacher for decades at Woodlawn. She later enjoyed being a part of the choir at Sandy Ridge. She enjoyed singing and contributing to worship in this meaningful way. She loved hymns, gospel and blue grass music; songs that reminded her of singing on the front porch with her family in the evenings while her mother played the piano or sister played the guitar.
Frances enjoyed fellowship with her church family and friends but loved spending time with her family. She attended every sporting event, recital, and celebration possible to show her love and support. This started with her son and continued through the generations to her great grandchildren and extended family. Frances provided so many good meals and gatherings for her family as well. She cooked the way she had learned from her mother and sister-in-laws; her fried potatoes were a family favorite. She enjoyed recording our time together by video and in pictures. She kept every invitation, card, program and announcement through the decades.
Frances enjoyed traveling with her church, her family and her friends. She travelled to the Holy Land with a group from Woodlawn; she visited nearly all 50 states in her life time; she loved going on day trips to plays and musicals with friends. And even though she would only go ankle deep, her favorite destination with her family was Long Beach, NC.
Frances grew up on a tobacco farm and spoke of fond memories despite the hard work. As an adult, she worked at Bristol Manufacturing in Rocky Mount for over 30 years and made life-long friends there. She continued working well into her 80's at La Petite Hair Salon because she enjoyed the people and taking care of the customers. In her free time, she enjoyed being outside to garden and to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Frances was a person who enjoyed investing in others and would give of her time, energy and resources however she could. She was faithful to pray for her family on a daily basis. Her love and support will be greatly missed.
Her family would like to thank the staff of Our Lady of the Valley for their thoughtful care through the years. A special thank you to Karen for organizing so many wonderful activities Frances enjoyed being a part of. Also thank you to Good Samaritan Hospice for their recent care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held at Flora Funeral Chapel, 3:00 p.m. Sunday April 27, 2025 with Pastor Joe Dillon officiating. Interment will follow in the Law Family Cemetery (Glade Hill, VA). Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
