Frances M. Cummings, 82, transitioned to eternal rest on October 6, 2023, at UNC Health Southeastern.

Joshua McArthur and Hettie Jane Martin McArthur gave birth to their 14th child, Frances Gretchen Etruria McArthur, "Bill", on February 2, 1941, in Lumberton, NC.  She was tenderly nurtured by each of her thirteen siblings, subsequently entering school at five years of age, and getting promoted to second grade within two months.

Frances was indeed a farmer's daughter, who worked in the tobacco and cotton fields and yes, in the kitchen, where she also excelled. At the age of sixteen, she graduated from Hilly Branch High School, as salutatorian. She earned a scholarship to attend Livingston College, where she graduated with honors and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She obtained a Bachelor of Science and a Masters Certification in Supervision.

Known as a change agent, Frances became extremely involved and active in professional organizations with exemplified leadership at the local and national levels. She pivoted from education to pursue a career in politics. Frances was the first of only two Robesonians to serve as NCAE President (1983-1984) and the only woman to serve Robeson County in the NC legislature (1993-1997). She was among a small collection of instructional leaders honored as a pioneering Black educator by Governor Roy Cooper for making groundbreaking contributions to our state.  Frances was a former teacher, public school administrator, NCAE Executive Director and President and most recently the President of North Carolina Retired School Personnel. As a teacher, she worked diligently to integrate public schools in Lumberton, NC. Frances was also no stranger to Christian Education as an avid church participant and leader in both Baptist and Methodist Churches. She is the founder of the Sisters with Pearls Serving Society Foundation and also a published author. She wrote the book titled, "The Life of a Determined Soul". The Sisters with Pearls Foundation is an annual scholarship given to students with an intended major of education or an educational related pursuit.

She enjoyed an active, productive and inspiring life with joy and satisfaction in knowing and serving Almighty God and His people. Frances was recently crowned "Pearl," denoting sixty-five years as an AKA Soror. She often stated "My Soul is anchored in the Lord; further, the rocks and pains of life have been my shield". Being the last of 14 children, she leaves an unforgettable legacy of family and friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 5:00-7:00PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 East 5th Street, Lumberton.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11:00AM at Floyd Memorial Chapel in Lumberton.  Burial will follow at the McArthur Family Cemetery on E. McDonald Road in Lumberton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Frances McArthur Cummings Educational Scholarship. This scholarship is for students with an intended major of education or an educational related major. Donations can be mailed to: P.O. Box 3888, Lumberton, NC 28359. Checks should be made payable to: Sisters with Pearls Serving Society Foundation.