Frances O. Thompson passed away peacefully on Sunday June 12, 2016 with her loving son and family by her side. Frances, a second generation native of Jersey City was born to Roger Edward Howard and Marian Barbee Howard. She was the oldest of five children. Frances attended Jersey City Public Schools and graduated from Henry Snyder High School. Frances continued her education attending Rutgers University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Sociology, her Master's Degree in Public Administration. Years later Frances went back to school and obtained her Doctorate Degree in Organizational Management from Capella University. Frances believed in serving God and her community. In 1985 she was elected to the Jersey City Municipal Council becoming the first African American Councilwoman in Hudson County. She served faithfully until 1989. In 2009 Frances was elected as a Board Member of the Jersey City Board of Education, as a Trustee serving as the Chairperson of the Affirmative Action Committee until 2012. Frances believed in small business like she had growing up. In 1986, "Klose to You" was launched, a Ladies Lingerie store on Forrest Street and Dr. Martin L. King Drive. Her career continued in government working as the Benefits Administrator/Employee Assistance Program. And later becoming the Director of the Hudson County Office of Minority Women Business Enterprise where she remained until her passing. At a very early age Frances dedicated her life to Christ. She saw firsthand and witnessed the power of God. Her influence was her Grandmother Evangelist Hettie Howard at Salem Baptist Church (Jersey City) where she developed her personal relationship with God. Throughout all her travels, career accomplishments and associations Frances would always say "Know God and Trust Him for Yourself." In 2003 Frances was certified as Dean by the National Baptist Convention, USA. In 2015 Frances was licensed to preach and became Associate Minister at Mount Olive Baptist Church (Jersey City) under the leadership of Reverend John H. McReynolds. She loved to preach and develop retreats and seminars. In her civic role Frances served on many boards, committees and organizations: Jersey City NAACP (3rd Vice President & Political Action Chair), Board of Trustees of Phoenix University Jersey City Campus, Educational Art Team, Team Management 2000, Cook College Rutgers University Board of Managers, New Brunswick, NJ, Trustee of Academy of Saint Aloysius, Jersey City and was a member of the National Association of Professional Women. In addition, Frances was an active member of Ezekiel Grand Lodge, AF & AM, Hannah Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, State of New Jersey. Frances is preceded in death by her parents Roger and Marian Howard, youngest brother Douglas Howard. Frances leaves to celebrate her life son Glenn S. Bowen (Janet), two grandchildren Frances (George), Glenn, one great granddaughter Amyia. Brother Edward Howard (Carol), two sisters Barbara Maples (Louis) Charlotte Gray, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and colleagues. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Frances O. Thompson. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please sign "Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.