Mrs. Frances L. Thorpe

Frances Lee (Tilley) Thorpe was born on August 14, 1934 in Durham, North Carolina. She was the eldest daughter of the late Emmitt, Sr. and Classie Tilley. She was called to heaven on January 26, 2020. Frances graduated from Cardozo High School in Washington D.C., then moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1954. She happily married the late Bobby Thorpe at the age of 20 years old. After the loss of her husband in 1983, Frances took over the family restaurant, Bobby’s Coffee Shop founded by her husband, as a widowed single mother. There was no hardship she couldn’t tackle and no mountain she wouldn’t climb for her children. She always sacrificed her needs for the good of the people closest to her. Bobby’s Coffee Shop continued to thrive and not only remained a neighborhood staple, but the rock of the family for 54 years. Frances adored elegant clothing and home decor. She enjoyed hosting parties and every holiday was filled with happiness among all of her loved ones. She would proudly boast about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to anyone who would listen. She had a heart of gold and was extremely kind and generous. Frances was a fighter and her tenacity will live on in all of our hearts forever. Frances lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 50 years and retired to her hometown in Durham. She leaves to cherish four sons: Bobby, Jr., Randall (Danette), Chris (Julie), Lawrence Annunziata (Lisa), one daughter Joiee, nine grandchildren: Tonjia, Dana, Bobby, III, Randall, Andreya, Elise, Christian, A.J., and Corinne, six great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Tyler, Sa’Niya, Anna, Prince, and Jada, one brother Emmett Tilley, Jr. (Martha), and two sisters: Deann (Tilley) Taylor and Betty Lou Tilley. Frances is predeceased by her two sons Andre and Roderick Thorpe and one sister Constance Tilley. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends. We are blessed to have had her in our lives and may God Bless and keep her. A Service of Celebration has been scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2020, at West Durham Baptist Church, 1901 Athens Avenue , Durham, North Carolina 27707. The family will assemble for a visitation from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by the celebration service, at 2:00 respectively. If hotel accommodations are needed, the family recommends the following locations: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Raleigh – Durham 2515 Meridian Pkwy Durham, NC 2771 (919) 361 – 4660 La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Raleigh/Durham Southpoint 1910 Westpark Dr. Durham, NC 27713 (919) 484-1422 Comfort Inn Research Triangle Park Apex Highway, 4507 NC-55 Durham, NC 27713 (919) 361-2656

Mrs. Frances L. Thorpe

August 14, 1934 - January 26, 2020