Frances Harple Popjoy, known to many as “Dolly,” passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2019, having reached her 99th birthday on May 7. Frances was the beloved wife of the late Allen R. Popjoy, Sr., with whom she shared 53 years of marriage.
She was born in Chester Springs to Frederick E. and Etta M. Eachus Harple, the youngest of nine children. She was raised on William Lloyd’s “Valleybrook Farm” in Caln Township, where her father was the farm manager. Graduating from Downingtown High School in 1938, she worked for Collins and Aikman from 1939 to 1952. She and her family moved to the home built by her husband in East Brandywine Township in 1955 and lived there until her death. She was the oldest living member of Fairview Presbyterian Church in Glen Moore, having joined in 1941, and a former member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the East Brandywine Fire Company.
Frances was known as a devoted daughter, wife and mother. Those who knew her appreciated her kindness, good nature, unconditional love and sense of humor. Neighborhood children loved her homemade iced tea.
In addition to her husband and parents, Frances was preceded in death by her grandson John Matthew Miller, her sisters Lorma Thompson, Augusta Beatty, Maria Smith, Elizabeth Frisby and her brothers N. Davis Harple, George Harple, Mordecai Harple and F. Chester Harple.
Frances is survived by her children Ruthann Stevenson (Scott), Allen Popjoy, Jr., Gary Popjoy, Robin Miller (John), and Warren Kim Popjoy, and her grandson James Allen Miller.
Her funeral will be held at Fairview Presbyterian Church, 800 Fairview Road, Glen Moore, PA 19343 on Friday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday May 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Labs Funeral Home, 141 Pequea Avenue, Honey Brook, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church before the service.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Deacon’s Fund at Fairview Presbyterian Church at the above address.
For additional information and online condolences may be recorded at www.thelabsfh.com.