Frances Irene Mynes

June 1, 1924 - January 19, 2021

Frances Irene Mynes, 96, of Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ Tuesday evening, Jan. 19, from complications related to Covid-19. Born in Stotesbury, WV, the fourth of nine children, to George and Lillie Hester, "Irene" lived the majority of her early years in southern WV, graduating from Logan High School, Logan, WV, in 1943. In 1947, she married Thomas E. Mynes of Huntington, WV. The two settled in Huntington, sharing 56 loving years together, raising their three children and maintaining their home. Frances Irene is preceded in death by her husband, mother and father, and sisters Dorothy Lucille Beckett and Eva Christine Porter, brothers David, Charles, Eugene and Melvin Hester. Surviving Irene are her daughters Sharon Martin of Barboursville, WV and Toni Napier of Anna, TX; her son Steven (Linda) Mynes of Lakewood, NY; sister Margaret Albright of Portsmouth, VA; brother George O'Grady Hester, Jr. of Suffolk, VA; grandchildren John Cartwright of Barboursville, WV and Courtney (Bryan) Ballard, along with great grandchildren Charlie and Maverick Ballard, all of Van Alstyne, TX. Also surviving are a large extended family of nieces and nephews with whom Irene loved spending time. Throughout much of Irene's adult life she was focused on maintaining the home and raising her three children. While husband Tommy worked and managed the maintenance of the home, Irene proved the perfect compliment to Tommy's skills and craftsmanship. She was an amazing homemaker in all respects. Keeping with the Hester ladies' long tradition of performing miracles in the kitchen, Irene was an outstanding and creative cook. No one ever walked away from her table disappointed. In later years, Irene and Tommy delighted in time spent with their two grandchildren, sharing their gifts and love in abundance. Irene loved visiting with her large family, as well as hosting friends and neighbors in her home. With a wealth of musical talent within the Hester family, gatherings frequently broke into song, often accompanied by family members on the piano, organ or occasional saxophone. In her high school years, Irene dreamed of becoming a singer. As her voice matured, it settled into a strong alto range. Once, for a Christmas concert performance, Irene participated as the lone female voice among the all male chorus. A strong woman of faith, from a strong family of faith, Irene was always an active participant in the churches she attended during her lifetime. She insisted that her children were introduced to the Christian faith at an early age, a gift that has blessed the lives of her family and will carry on to future generations. In her later years she and husband Tommy made their church home at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church, located in her adopted home town of Huntington, WV. In recent years, Irene "retired" as a homemaker. She relocated to western NY, later taking up residence at Brookdale Senior Living, a wonderful and caring assisted living community located in Lakewood, NY. In the past year, with declining health, she transitioned to skilled nursing care. Irene made quick friends and loved to visit with her new neighbors. Staff and fellow residents often remarked how much they enjoyed their conversations and Frances Irene's unyielding independent nature. No one could imagine that this 96-year old women could be so strong. She will be deeply missed by all who have come to know her. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church, 5385 W. Pea Ridge Road, Huntington, WV 25705 with Dr. David Lemming officiating. Private burial will follow, alongside her beloved husband, at Ridgelawn Memorial Park in Huntington, WV. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. The service will be Live-Streamed and viewed on the Henson & Kitchen Mortuary website, Facebook and YouTube pages. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hensonandkitchen.com