Frances Louise Adams Fikes died Friday, July 31, and received her heavenly angel wings after a courageous long-term battle with cancer. Frances was born and raised in Bogalusa, Louisiana, the youngest daughter of beloved parents, Minnie Verdel Adams and Gardner Sheldon Adams, Sr. Frances’s parents modeled the importance of family, faith, and servant leadership – her strong faith was planted and nurtured early and followed her throughout her life. Her joyful spirit and eternal hopefulness will be forever remembered by her family and friends.
Frances graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where on a blind date as a pledge of Phi Mu sorority, she met her spouse Phillip Bernard Fikes of Winfield, Alabama. It was war time and Phillip, a sophomore at UA, entered the US Army where he obtained officer rank as a 2nd Lieutenant. Phillip and Frances were married in 1967 and welcomed daughter Lisa on Christmas Eve that year.
Frances’s faith was tested throughout her life, most significantly in May 1969, when couriers arrived at her door to convey that Phillip was severely wounded in the jungles of Vietnam. Frances stayed by Phillip’s side supporting and encouraging him to not give up. Her love and faith along with Phillip’s determination allowed him to recover enough to gain the use of his legs, but losing the use of his left arm. Frances was able to hold his right hand for the rest of her life.
The family returned to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where Frances began her professional life in education as a teacher and school librarian. They welcomed second daughter, Aimee, in 1973. In 1979 the family relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, where they raised their girls and immersed themselves in the community. In 1981 Frances obtained a second degree in interior design from the University of Alabama Huntsville and began a 30-year career as a designer, first in a practice in Huntsville, and later under her own name, FAF Interiors. In 1984 she had the pleasure of working on a home for Randy Owen of the band “Alabama.” Frances was a talented artist in many mediums, but ever modest she would say, “I’m not very good” at any of them. In addition to her design skills, she was a wonderful painter, painting murals in each of her grandchildren’s nurseries – two were featured in magazines. She was also a wonderful cook, a master gardener, and an accomplished seamstress. The heirloom christening gowns, smocked clothing and items she lovingly created will be cherished for future generations of her family.
Frances thrived on community and her love for family and friends was the highlight of her life. She loved a good gathering and looked forward to her many ladies’ clubs, her wine club, her church circle at Trinty United Methodist Church and most of all being with her daughters and their families. She never missed a grandchild’s birthday or event, even when they lived in far-away locations. “Mimi” valued her time with them, and they will deeply miss her.
Frances was an active member of many organizations in her lifetime including du Mi Di International Women’s Club of which she served as President, VP and was Alabama “Woman of the Year” in 2008; Phi Mu Sorority Alumni Association – Huntsville Past President; Board member of the Huntsville Botanical Gardens; Huntsville Hospital Foundation; Cover Girl for the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run for breast cancer edition of Huntsville Hospital magazine; Huntsville Museum of Art Guild; along with many others. She loved giving back in any way she could – most of the time in quiet ways that no one knew.
In 2013 the United States Army Awarded Frances their highest civilian award, “The Distinguished Civilian Service Award” for her dedication to country and family.
Frances is survived by her husband of 60 years, Phillip; her daughter, Lisa Fikes Crabb (Trey) of northern Kentucky and Seagrove Beach, Florida, daughter, Aimee Fikes Montgomery (Logan) of Celebration, Florida; grandchildren, Mary-Margaret Adams Crabb McMullen (Daniel), Michael Alexander Crabb, IV “Chip”, Charlotte Allen Montgomery and Amelia Frances Montgomery; sister, Anne McCarty; brothers, Gardner “Buddy” Adams, Jr. and Jim Adams (Janice); brothers-in law, Dr. Jerry Fikes (Ginny) and Richard Fikes (Sarah); and many other close relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with the funeral to follow in the chapel. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Frances’s life directly following the services at the Fikes home. Attendees are encouraged to wear red – Frances’s favorite color representing her love and joy for life.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/), The Vasculitis Foundation (www.vasculitisfoundation.org), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/give.html).
