Mary "Frances" Baughman Stiles

Mary “Frances” Baughman Stiles, age 96, passed away on August 8, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. She was born in Philippi, West Virginia on April 19, 1927, the oldest daughter of the late Mary Susan Gainer Baughman Phillips and Hugh Branson Baughman. Frances attended public school in Barbour County, beginning in a one room school, and graduated from West Virginia University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics with an emphasis on Dietetics and Food Research. While at WVU she met the love of her life, John D. Stiles, in chemistry class. Married September 11, 1949, they began their life in West Virginia, moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1962 and settled in Tallahassee in 1964. A registered dietitian, she worked for Camden-Clark Hospital in Parkersburg, West Virginia. In Tallahassee, she worked for the Leon County School Board at Augusta Raa Middle School, and various skilled nursing facilities in the area. She also enjoyed working as a realtor. Family was of utmost importance to Frances, and she enjoyed many gatherings, both large and small. Her sense of hospitality extended to all she met, and she always ensured there was good food with good company. Frances also firmly believed in the importance of taking care of one’s health and the role good food and nutrition plays in healthy living. She was an active member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Burleigh Law Sunday School Class and United Methodist Women. Additionally, she was a member of the American Dietetic Association, Alumni Association of WVU and the League of Women Voters. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sisters Sara Baughman Durst Childs and Alice Baughman Hovey. Frances is survived by her beloved husband, John, her daughters and sons-in-law Susan and David Gill, and Donna and Larry Crawford of Tallahassee, FL. She is survived by six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Daniel Gill and Reda Rountree, daughters Grace and Ann Elise of Los Angeles; Andrew Gill and Meghan Murphy-Gill, son Albie of Chicago; Pete and Missy Gill, children Mckenzie, Elliot and Josephine of Lakeland, FL; Julia and Paul Woodward, sons John and Mark of Tallahassee; Eric and Lynnea Crawford, daughter Emma of Orlando, FL; and Lydia and Gio Kelly of Alexandria, VA as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Saturday August 12 at Bevis Funeral Home with a Service of Death and Resurrection to be held Sunday, August 13 at 3:00 pm at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, with internment Monday, August 14 at the National Cemetery in Tallahassee. The family would like to express their great appreciation to the nurses and staff of Big Bend Hospice who have shown such wonderful caring, kindness and professionalism during this long journey. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home or the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Mary "Frances" Baughman Stiles

April 19, 1927 - August 8, 2023