Frances Commander Kneeburg

Frances Commander Kneeburg, 90, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on October 17, 2023 in Hospice Care in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born on April 16, 1933 in Black, Alabama to her parents, Charles Edward Commander and Lilla Alma Sims Commander.

Frances grew up on a farm in Slocomb, Alabama and graduated from Slocomb High School in 1951. She was a very studious student who loved to read. After high school, Frances worked as a civilian in the Army in Ft. Rucker, Alabama. She always dreamed of going to college, so she saved up her money to attend Howard College, now known as Samford University and graduated in 1960.

Along the way, she was introduced to Roy Kneeburg through her brother Bill Commander and the two shared a long-distance relationship until they finally married on September 3, 1960. They were married 62 years until Roy passed away in April of this year.

Frances was primarily a homemaker for most of her years, but occasionally worked as a substitute teacher, then as a social worker for the State of Florida for 10 years, retiring in 1991.

Frances enjoyed reading, traveling, and working in her yard.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of Orange Park and served as a Care group leader there.

She is preceded in death by parents, Ed and Lilla Commander, her sister, Robbie June Commander, and her husband Roy Kneeburg. She is survived by her brother Bill Commander (Jo) who lives in Johnson City, TN, her children, Terry Kneeburg (Lori) who lives in Cumming, GA, Kay Cannady (Mike) who lives in Green Cove Springs, Kevin Kneeburg (Elvia) who lives in Hurst, TX, her grandchildren Andrew (Angela), Rachel, Faith, Austin, Nathan, Nick, Carson, Phoebe, Leila, and several nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Friday October 27th from 6-8pm at Broadus-Raines Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 28th at 2 pm at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park, FL.