Wilmoth “Frances" Wooten, a loving and spirited matriarch, departed this world on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Medicalodge Nursing Home in Coffeyville, Kansas.
Frances was born in Amagon, Arkansas, on January 30, 1933, to J.H. and Liza (Smalley) Miller. She grew up in Arkansas and Oklahoma where she attended school.
On April 14, 1951, she married the love of her life, Jim “Jimmy” T. Wooten in Sequoyah, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Coffeyville where they raised their family. Jimmy preceded her in death on November 7. 2008.
Frances' lifelong dedication was evident in her work. When her kids were little, she worked for Electra. For a time, she provided in-home health care for others. She worked many devoted years as a dietary aide in the cafeteria at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Frances also provided childcare, she watched over countless little ones growing up in the family, especially her grandkids, great-grandkids and great-great grandkids. She impacted many lives with her selfless love and nurturing. But her impact extended beyond her professional and familial roles. She was an avid adventurer who loved to go fishing and embark on spontaneous trips with her husband and best friend, Jim. She loved to cook, her favorite comfort food was cornbread and milk, and sweets in general. She was a fierce rummy player who loved a good game.
Above all, Frances was an inspiring woman of faith, living for the Lord every day of her life as a lifelong member of the Lewark Church of God in Coffeyville. She was part of 16 sets of 5-generations. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who were lucky enough to know her. Frances leaves behind a rich legacy, being the absolute best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, one could ever ask for.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her son, J.D. Wooten and wife, Lesa of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, daughters, Marilyn Means of Coffeyville, Kansas, Sherry Hall and husband, Rev. Jimmy Hall of Murphy, North Carolina, Marla Pugh and husband, Richard of Caney, Kansas; fifteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren, siblings, Eddie Miller and Von Decker of Waco, Texas, along with many more extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.H. and Liza Miller; her husband, Jimmy Wooten; daughters, Lois Hull and Sandy Sliva; a great-granddaughter, Lauren Phillips, great-great-granddaughter, Lilith Anderson, two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Alta Wilkins, William “Bill” Miller, Ruby Goyer twin brothers, James D. and Richard Miller and her twin brother, Frank Miller.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will be present Monday evening at the funeral home to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Lewark Church of God in Coffeyville at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Washington Cemetery near Claremore, Oklahoma.
The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.
We invite you to share your memories, stories, and photographs of Frances on her memorial page at www.dwbfh.com Your contributions will serve as a comforting reminder of the vibrant, caring, and courageous woman she was.
