Frances Peebles

Frances Vander Lohr Peebles, 99 years old--mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend-went on to her Glory on Sunday, January 15th, 2023, at Carolina Caring (Hospice).

Frances, or Vander as she was known (or even more lovingly known as "Nana") was born the fourth of seven children to Luther Monroe Lohr and Rosa Mae Ramseur Lohr on October 25, 1923 in Catawba County, Newton.

Her education only went to the tenth grade, but she loved to read, and was self-educated in many ways. Frances held a myriad of jobs throughout her lifetime including domestic work, work as a caregiver, and making speakers for the companies of Recterlinear and OHM. She fully retired in 2000. Vander spent the majority of worklife in New York, where she and her husband, Odis, were residents for thirty-one years until his death. She remained in New York for another five years at which time she returned to North Carolina to care for her father. At the time of her death, she had been home for forty-one years.

"Nana" was a woman who was very determined, had a very strong work ethic, a strong will and a very, very sharp wit. Her sense of humor was well-known amongst her family and friends. She loved God and always sought to do her very best for the upbuilding of His Kingdom. She was a lifelong member of Rhoney's Chapel AME Zion Church, where she served as the chairwoman of Stewardess Board #1, as well as a member of the Trustee Board for several years.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Luther M. Lohr, Sr and Rosa M. Lohr. Her beloved husband, Odis Hill Peebles, and her precious daughter, Frances Rose Peebles Sykes. Six siblings Alice Lohr Peebles, Hayes Clifton Lohr, Dorothy Lohr Wright, Homer Edward Lohr, Luther Lohr, Jr, and Catherine Lohr Ramseur.

She leaves to cherish her memories two grandchildren, Robin J. Sykes and Edward F. (Johana) Sykes of the Home; two nieces Dorothy Colbert of Newton and Rose Alice Sackeyfio of Winston-Salem; three nephews Allan Ramseur and his son Johnathan Ramseur of Hickory, and Monte Lohr of Brooklyn, New York; special cousins Mary Ijames of Conover, Willie Mae Avery of Washington, D.C., Linda McDowell of Hickory, Linda Ramseur of Conover, and Kimberly Clark of Newton; three adopted daughters Eleanor Olive of Bronx, New York, Antinette Carr of Brooklyn, New York, and Juanita Blanks of Bronx, New York.

Also a very special mention to Rhoney's Chapel's ministering angels and former sheperds of Rhoney's Chapel flock, Rev. Emmanuel and Sister Forest Bonaparte, loving and devoted family friends. And although they might not have been mentioned by name but knowing they loved her just as much, a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


"We Love You, Nana"

We love you, Nana
We'll miss you, Nana
But we know that you're all right
We love you, Nana
We'll miss you, Nana
But we know you're now dwelling in the realms
Of laughter, of love and of light
God Bless You, Nana
God Bless you!

Your grandchildren
Rob, Ben, and Jo


The funeral will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Jenkins Funeral Home with Rev. Emmanuel Bonaparte officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service and burial will follow at Rhoney's Chapel AME Zion Church.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Peebles family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.