Frances Davenport Petrey

Frances (Fran) L. Petrey, 103, of Frederick, Maryland, formerly of Louisville, Kentucky, was called to her heavenly home on September 27, 2023.  Born May 18, 1920, in Woodbine, Kentucky to the late William James Davenport and Rachel Susan (Thomas) Davenport.  As a preemie, not expected to live through the night, she defied all odds and became the Matriarch of the entire family.  Fran was the fifth of eight children (all deceased) and the first to graduate high school and continue her education to become a licensed cosmetologist and beautician.

Widowed twice, she was married to Theodore D. Hart for 23 years until his passing in 1966.  She then married Johnnie P. Petrey, and they were together for 18 years until his passing in 1986.

Her happiest moments were spent with her family surrounding her as she held court reigning as the Queen of her adoring children, grand, and great-grandchildren.  She loved Jesus, the Bible, watching David Jeremiah on TV, flowers, gardening, Southern Gospel music, and sharing memories of her childhood with all who would visit.

She is survived by her daughter Rochelle Deering-Engel and her husband Pastor Joe Engel, her son Teddy Hart and his wife Carolyn Hart, step-sons Sonny (Dee) Petrey and Mike (Laura) Petrey, her grand-children, Kirsten Deering, Justin Deering, Lorin Licata, Joseph Hart, Kathryn Hart, Rachel Hart, Joshua (Megan) Hart, Michaela Hart, and step-grandchildren Amy (Steve) Crebessa, Dennis (Marsha) Pike, Tracy (Scott) Dinkins and Shannon (Doug) Rhudy. In addition, there are great grandchildren:  Dominique (Curt) Clinefelter, Alexandra (Jimmy) Aylward, Jacqueline Asuncion, and many other great-grandchildren, and family members including Donald and Elizabeth Deering.

Preceded by stepdaughter Mary (Albert) Pike.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held Friday October 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. respectively in the Etchison Memorial Chapel of Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, P.A. – 106 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you send a bouquet to someone you love to remind them of their importance in your life.

She will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with her first love, Theodore D. Hart.