Frances Pulce Gowens was born March 25, 1925, fourth of six children born to the late James and Maggie Pulce in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee.  She graduated from Clarke High School, where she was named Homecoming Queen; the first person in her family to graduate high school.  She moved to Louisville, Kentucky with her uncle and aunt, C.W. and Christine Sharpe. While living in Louisville she worked at a sewing factory making army pants during World War II.

In the fall of 1943, she relocated to Akron, Ohio and was employed by B.F. Goodrich for a short time. She sold life insurance and did odd jobs until she met and married Charles Fisher Gowens in 1946. To this union, two children were born, Donald and Cynthia. She was a loving wife and mother, and a strong woman of courage and faith.

Frances accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized by her grandfather.   She served the Lord in her church and choir for many years. She was the first and only woman on the Trustee Board at the Original Church of God in Akron, Ohio.  She served as secretary of the Sunday School, church clerk and assistant superintendent.

She was dedicated to the best educational opportunities for her children. In the 1960’s she was elected the first Black President of Glover Elementary School PTA, and she was a life member.  She was also elected the first Black President of the PTA at Goodrich Jr. High School. Frances volunteered for Good Neighbors at the East Akron Community House, serving food to people in need. She also was a volunteer for Good Samaritans and Grant Street Food Bank.

In 1994, after the death of her husband, Charles, she moved to the Collinson Apartments where she volunteered and served as Vice President of the Building Council. She always wanted things to be done decently and in order.

Frances has now been reunited with her family, including four sisters: Ethel (Frank) Stockard, Lillian (David) Cannon, and Gladys “Mickey” (James) Larkins, Akron OH;  Cora Bell (Astor) Legg, Mt. Pleasant, TN;  and one brother, James Pulce, Louisville, KY.   She leaves to cherish her memory:  one son, Donald (Sharmen) Gowens, Atlanta, GA, one daughter, Cynthia Gowens, Columbus, OH; four grandsons, Mark (Ruth) Lomax, Stephen Lomax, Donald Jr. (Dana) Gowens, and Nicholas (Kristyn) Gowens; four great grands, Amirah, Lailah, Audrey and Theodore. One brother-in-law, Calvin (Mattie) Gowens, Lakewood, CA.   A host of nieces and nephews and one spiritual son, Frank (Bonnie) Lane.