Frances Perdue Mason, active in community
Frances Perdue Mason completed her earthly journey Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. She was born June 27, 1931, on a farm near Mt. Olive Church, Snow Hill, Md., the sixth of seven children of Gorman and Nora Fooks Perdue. She worked on the farm with her family until graduating from Snow Hill High School in 1948.
Frances went to work for Eastern Shore Public Service company (now Delmarva Power), where she met Albert "Boots" Mason. They were married in 1951 and lived in the Mason family home in Mt. Vernon, near Princess Anne, Md. Boots’ career with Delmarva Power eventually brought them to Harington in 1962. When their children were in school, Frances went to work at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church as secretary, then to Lake Forest School District as guidance office secretary for 12 years.
Frances was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrington for many years, where she taught Sunday school and at various times was a youth leader, a choir mother, United Methodist Women president, and member of church committees. She was also a Girl Scout leader. She worked with the Lake Forest Food Pantry for 20 years.
After retirement, Boots and Frances spent many happy years camping and traveling with their Airstream friends and spent their winters at Travelers Rest Resort near Dade City, Fla. Frances lived her last 12 years happily engaged at The Moorings of Lewes.
Frances is survived by three daughters: Aleta Thompson, Joan Sacks (Lee Paynter) and Mary Jean Blades (Lester); four grandchildren: Alison Sacks, Chelsea High, Thomas Blades and Andrew Blades: three great-grandchildren: Avery, Beau and Ford High; and 26 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years in 2013; her parents; and siblings Gladys Oland, Grace Grey, Clarence Perdue, Guilbert Perdue, Marie Outten and Alta Bounds.
The family would like to thank her many nieces, nephews and friends who continued to keep in touch. A special, heartfelt appreciation goes to the nursing, CNA, and custodial and kitchen staff of the Skilled Nursing Unit at The Moorings for their kindness and care toward her in her last year.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 12, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. and celebration of life from 3 to 4 p.m. with reception to follow. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be to Food Bank of Delaware, fbd.org, or the Maryland Food Bank, mdfoodbank.org.
Visit Frances’s Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
