Mary Frances Harper Fox, 81, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born May 28, 1942, to Mr. Kervin Ethan Harper and Mrs. Addie Fisher Harper of Glencoe, IL at Sacred Heart Hospital during a visit to Pensacola, FL. In 1950, they returned to Pensacola where they remained.

Frances enjoyed an active lifestyle in her youth with many pursuits including dancing, horseback riding, and water skiing. After graduating from Pensacola High School in 1960, she attended Florida State University, majoring in English. Frances was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

After receiving her bachelor's degree and teaching certification, Frances returned to PHS to teach English. She married Jerome B. Browder and eventually welcomed son Link and daughter Polly to their family.

Frances turned her passion for antiquing into a profession when she opened White Caps Cottage Antiques. She kept her hand in the business of vintage furniture and textiles for over forty years. During that time, Frances also developed a lifelong love of tennis and bridge.

Frances and Jerry remained close friends even after their marriage ended. Later, Frances met and fell in love with Capt. G. Ray Fox. They married and moved to Washington, DC in 1983, adding Ray's children George and Rich into the family. Frances was especially proud of her large, blended family and generously organized many memorable family holiday retreats until she and Ray finally retired to Pensacola in 2018.

She is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Alan C. Nelson and sister, Elizabeth H. Holsberry.

Frances is survived by her husband, Capt. George Raymond Fox, USN Ret; their children, George R. Fox, Jr. (Alicia Roman) of Alexandria, VA, Kervin Link Browder (Mary Rose Browder) of Houston, TX, Richard M. Fox (Mindy Richlen) of East Falmouth, MA and Polly Elizabeth Browder of Pensacola, FL; four grandchildren, G. Cole Fox, Simon Fox, Henry Browder and Durham Browder and her nephew, Alexander Moore.

A Graveside Service will be held 11:30am Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Bayview Memorial Park. Following the graveside service there will be a celebration of life at the Pensacola Country Club starting at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, www.donatecancer.org