Frances G. Batey

Frances G. Whitaker Batey, 81, of 17A Pond Ave, Newport, RI, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 16, 2007. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 17, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Grace Smith Whitaker.She was a devoted member of the Community Baptist Church. She had been employed by Newport Public Schools and Raytheon Company in Portsmouth, and retired in 1991. After her retirement, she was involved in the self help program and the foster grandparent program at Coggeshall School.She was a thirty year member of the Harriet Tubman Temple #88 and had held the title of Assistant Daughter Ruler. She was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter #2.She is survived by two daughters Barbara Hargrow and Katherine Browner, and two sons John Jones and Ernest Jones, all of Newport, RI, her sister Ernestine Welch of Baltimore, MD. She also had 20 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.She is preceded in death by a son Michael Anthony Pena, a brother Clarence Smith, a grandson Michael G. Simmons.Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 21, at 11:00 am in Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, November 21 from 10-11am in the Community Baptist Church.Memorial donations may be made to Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport, RI 02840.