Those of you who knew me won’t be surprised to find that I prepared for my own passing, but as we all come to realize, there is so much to say to those for whom you care and only so little time to say it. There is still so much more love to be shared, so many birthdays and holidays to be celebrated and life to live, but unfortunately, I can’t be there physically to see them.
For the community at large, “I” is Mary Frances Sapp, but I preferred Frankie. I went to be with my God on Sunday, November 13, but I was surrounded by the family I loved so deeply when that occurred. I was born October 13, 1939, in Mason County to Henry Rigdon and Lucy Stanton Faris, but in my early adult years, Arnold Faris adopted me. He was the only father I knew. I was preceded in death by all of three of those people and by my half-brother, Henry Rigdon Jr.
I was blessed to have Charles E (Chuck) Sapp as my husband, and together, we raised two sons – Charlie (Gay) Sapp and Michael Sapp, both of Maysville – and two daughters – Kristi (Frankie Dale) Arthurs of Vanceburg and Tina (Russ) Curtis of Aberdeen.
Our children provided Chuck and me with ten remarkable grandchildren: Eric (Cayeann) Cowan and Mary Jo (Steven) Shepherd of Mayslick; Maggie (Jamie) Price and Sean (Kara) Sapp of Fleming County; Chase Sapp of California; Zac Robinson, Paige Sapp, Khrysten (Chris) Childers, Tabbatha Sapp and Michaela Sapp, all of Maysville.
They, in turn, gave us eight beautiful great grandchildren: Eli & Addison Cowan; Mary Kate and Jack Shepherd; Easton Price; Brynlee Robinson; and Hadleigh and Maverick Childers.
Chuck and I were also fortunate to have Artis Greene, Gayle Gosney, Vic Pooler, and Trent Werline as children of our heart, and I am also survived by my half-sisters Peggy Podraza, Edwina Howard, Nora Rigdon, and Jackie Snipes.
I lived my life to be kind, loving, and compassionate, and I tried to be unassuming in doing that. It brought me great joy to be the centerpiece of my family, but I also felt a responsibility to be a part of the city of Maysville and the surrounding area.
You may have gotten to know me during my time at the Mason County Public Library working as a bookmobile librarian, or maybe you stopped by for a bite to eat while Chuck and I ran the Diner on Forest Avenue. You might have been part of the extended family Chuck and I had over the fourteen years we spent managing Highland Ridge Apartments, or I might have greeted you in the business office at Maysville Community and Technical College where I worked part time after retiring. Regardless of where I encountered you, I hope I made your day a little brighter or a bit easier.
You see, being a part of a community is more than just living there. We shape our community through our actions, and I hoped to shape mine into a place where we all cared as much about each other as we did about ourselves. That’s why I was a member of the Saint Patrick Altar Society and the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary where I served as treasurer for many years. As president and reporter and during my time as chairman of the fall festival for the Orangeburg Lions Club, we worked to build that community, and as a member of the Orangeburg Lioness Club, I served as president for three terms and zone chair for one term to gain support for those efforts.
I was part of our local Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and enjoyed the camaraderie of that organization. Even before my diagnosis, I was a longtime supporter of Relay for Life of Mason County, fielding the Sapp Family and Friends Team for several years and later serving as the accounting chair. Even in my last year, I took to the track because cancer never sleeps, and I would challenge all of you reading this to take that walk next year.
When I was honored as a Kentucky Colonel, it reminded me of the importance of saying thanks, and I tried to show that appreciation to everyone I encountered. As a member of Saint Patrick’s Church, I forged a relationship with God that made this all much easier, and I hope that same relationship strengthens those I leave behind.
You may be heartbroken now, but know that I am still in your heart. You may be thinking there’s a part of you that won’t ever be the same, but that is how it should be. Life is about living, and if we aren’t willing to face loss, we won’t truly be alive. I lived. I loved. I gave all my heart had to offer, and I hope the memories of me far outweigh any sadness you feel at this time.
I will be there whenever you want to talk to me, and until you come to join me, I will see you in your thoughts and dreams. Cherish each other and all of your moments to come.
I love you.
Mass of Christian Burial for Frankie Sapp will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016 at St. Patrick Church with Rev. Michael Comer officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Patrick Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Brell and Son Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday with vigil prayers at 7:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Donnie Stanton, Bill Forman, Bill Gatherwright, Jamie Price, Steven Shepherd, and Sean Sapp. Honorary Pallbearer will be Jim Hart.
Condolences may be left at www.brellandson.com.
