Frances Elaine Toler

Frances Elaine Toler, 65, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer. Frances departed this earth surrounded by family and loved ones. Born August 31, 1954 in Columbus, Ohio to the late William and Queen Esther Toler, “Frannie,” to all who knew her, was a unique and loving individual who made a lasting impression on everyone that she encountered. Frannie was the youngest of two older brothers, Billy and Jeffrey, with whom she shared a close relationship. Frannie was educated in the Catholic and Columbus Public School systems. She graduated from East High School in 1972 and continued her education the same year at Ohio University. Known on OU’s campus as “Frannie T,” Frannie was part of an interest group known as the “QTs” who provided support to the men of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Psi Chapter. She was also a member of a modeling group on campus. Frannie was a woman of faith and had an abiding love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For many years she accented her vehicle with a license plate that displayed the personalized combination, JC ISN ME as a testament to her commitment to the Christian faith. She was a longtime member of New Salem Baptist Church and served in the kitchen ministry. Frannie was a devoted servant and volunteered for many causes that were close to her heart, including being a charter member of the Eastside Columbus Jaycees, working at the Broad Street Presbyterian Church Food Pantry and as the Ward Committee Person for the Fifth District. An entrepreneur at heart, Frannie was a true trailblazer among women in her day. She owned and operated a popular arcade, The Game Room, where many of her family members worked as her employees. In addition, Frannie owned Simply Service Catering, an event planning and catering business, which allowed her to focus on the two things she loved most – people and food. A passionate cook and true foodie, Frannie would often show up to holiday gatherings and other family events with an assortment of dishes that she would personally prepare; from chitterlings and barbeque ribs, to peach cobbler and exotic oyster dishes. She especially loved preparing, serving and eating all things seafood and during the holiday season she would often gift her loved ones with her famous sweet treats and baked goods, including her famous mini banana nut bread loafs. Frannie also loved to garden, travel and shop. She had a bold sense of style; she loved her gold jewelry and had a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends. Frannie was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes while sporting her Buckeye gear in a room filled with Buckeye décor. She was also a fan of tabloid talk shows, including the Jerry Springer and Maury Povich shows, reality TV shows, crime shows and soap operas. Frannie enjoyed a 17-year career in the insurance industry. Upon leaving the insurance industry, she went to work for Chase Bank where she was employed for many years in the mortgage collections department. Frances is preceded in death by her parents Queen Esther Toler and William Toler; stepmother, Toni Toler; and brother, Jeffrey Toler. Frances will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her siblings, Billy (Joyce) Toler, Kathy Toler, Lynn (Eric) Toler, and Penny Starks; the Turner family, including surrogate mother, Edith Turner and surrogate sisters, Dianne, Paulette (Derrick), Lisa (Lewis), Deborah (Donald) and Donna; nephews, Damian Van Cleaf, Alan, Quentin and Brian (Amanda) Toler; niece, Jessica Toler; cousins, Tony (Monique) Ransom, Mica (Sam) McQueen, Lewis (Adrianna) Carter, Lauren (Greg) El; Goddaughter, Erica Howard; and special friends, Jackie Davis and family; Diane, Alesia and Linda Johnson; the White sisters, Sharon, Kaye, Sherylene and Jacqueline; Audrey Hutchings and Twyla Woodruff; and a host of relatives, friends, and loved ones.