Mary Frances Waltz

Mary Frances Waltz, lovingly known to so many as Mrs. Frankie and Nannie, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, at the age of 96 in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. She was born in Chilton County, Alabama on April 26, 1929, to the late William Thomas Green and Mamie Vera Kemp.

For over 30 years, Frankie devoted herself to the children of Valley Grande by operating a beloved daycare from her home. Each child who entered her doors became a cherished part of her family, reflecting her boundless affection and nurturing nature. With her husband, Lyle, by her side, their home was a haven where laughter echoed, hugs were plentiful, and lasting memories were made. The holidays were especially vibrant, with their house transforming into a gathering place for family and friends, each celebration featuring a delicious feast with Mary’s famous fruit cake as the centerpiece—an embodiment of her warmth and generosity.

Beyond her daycare, Frankie was a dedicated band parent at Dallas County High School, supporting her granddaughter during her music journey and remaining involved for many years thereafter. Her devotion to community and family was matched only by her passionate involvement with Memorial United Methodist Church, where she nurtured her faith and forged lifelong friendships.

Frankie found immense joy in collecting angels, each figurine telling a story of love and faith. Her travels with Lyle took them to many places, often leading her to discover unique angel figurines, which became treasured highlights of her collection. Throughout her life, Frankie was a radiant light in the lives of the children she cared for and the families who knew her. Everyone loved Mrs. Frankie for her kindness, her unwavering support, and her genuine ability to make everyone feel special. Even in her later years, her heart remained full, embracing her new home in Florida, where she lived with her granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Edwin Waltz; children, Simeon Charles McDuffie and Polly Jackson; siblings, T.L. (Doris) Green, Julius (Ruth) Green, Robert (Betty) Green, Agnes Simmons, Ruth (Alvin) Kilmurry and Jan (Joe) Pace and brother-in-law, Joe Bills.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Rodney (Nancy) Radford, Alison Hiatt and very special granddaughter, Tonya McCain; great-grandchildren, Courtney Radford, Lyle McCain and John McCain; her sister, Lee Bills and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma with Rev. Linda Tarver officiating. Interment will follow at Pineview Memory Gardens in Valley Grande. Visitation will be at the funeral home in Selma on Tuesday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m.