Frances E. Hubbard was born September 13, 1922, in Chicago, IL to the union of Alfonse Solomon Hunt Sr. and Beatrice Catherine Miller Hunt. She was the eldest of her siblings, Alfonse Solomon Hunt Jr. (Cortese), Catherine Brown (Harvey) deceased, Marjorie M. Harbut (James), and Walter Hunt-deceased. When she was eight years old, tragically her mother died and the relatives wanted to separate the children. But her father was resolved to raise all his children together.  Demonstrating her strong resiliency even at such a young age, she helped to raise her siblings.

Education was always important to her, which she   always imparted to her children. She dedicated herself to her studies and when her rare intelligence and maturity became apparent to the educators, she was able to skip a grade of     elementary school. She went on to excel and graduate from Morgan Park High School in Chicago, IL. She also demonstrated a talent in art and was awarded a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago. She attended the Art Institute of Chicago and graduated from Wilson Jr. College while still working to support her younger siblings.

As a volunteer for the United Service Organization she met and was able to boost the morale of a handsome young man on military leave in the states. They shared a passion for the arts.  On February 24, 1946, she married Melvin Hubbard whom she shared 55 years of love and blessings until his     sudden passing in 2001.

To their union five children were born which she loved unconditionally, sacrificed for and devoted her life to. After several of the children the family moved from Chicago to    Lima where the remainder of the children were born.

She remained loyal to her father who was disabled from a work accident so he came to live with the family also. To accommodate the space needs and art studio, they did a rare thing for blacks at the time which was to build their own home on the west side of Lima. The home remained in the family name until March of 2015 when purchased by "the other brother by another mother".

The children who live to cherish her memory whom she was always so proud of are Sterling L.       Hubbard (Eradean-deceased) of Richmond, California; Deborah E. Jarmon (Roy) of Houston, Texas; Valerie J. Hubbard of Sacramento, California; Brandon L. Hubbard (Genevieve) of Houston, Texas and Cynthia H. Shambley (DeWayne) of Bowie, Maryland.

She was always excited when a new grandchild was born. She created a tradition that she would crochet or knit a baby blanket that the baby would be brought home from the hospital in. Her grandchildren are Kimberly Hubbard, Corneal Rowe, Dana  Van Hook (Samuel), Brande Lynne Hubbard, DeWayne Shambley Jr. (Kamilah), Quentin Shambley (Queendoline) and Raven Hubbard. She also was blessed with three great grandchildren, Noah Rowe, Solomon DeWayne Shambley and Olympia Qyrene Ekemini Shambley.

Mrs. Hubbard was a homemaker for the primary years of her children but early on worked for the US Civil Service, was a professional seamstress and a domestic. An example of her humor was when the book and movie, The Help, was released. She kidded and said, " I was the help ".

She was a pioneer when employed by the new Sears Roebuck store as the first black female. She retired as the Service Department Manager after 20 years of loyal service.

She confessed her belief in Christ at an early age and tithed her service as an active member of St. Paul AME Church. She never wanted to be in the forefront but loved working behind the scenes in whatever capacity. She was a member of the Stewardess Board, Stewardess Emeritus and served as Treasurer for over 40 years. She was a Member of the Senior Choir, Hospitality Club, Pastors Aid  and the Heat Club Treasurer. She was also the recipient of the Rev. Annie Jackson Pioneer Award in Religion.

The Community also benefited from her devotion and commitment. Even in her late 80's you might find her at the 9th hole as a volunteer for the Bradfield Community Center Community Golf Scramble. Election day she was working the polls. As a volunteer for the Allen County Council on Aging she was committed to getting the newsletter out and was a Lioness of the North Side Lions Club.

She had a passion for life. She celebrated her empty nest by traveling the country. She didn't like to admit to her fondness for bingo but it created a close bond to her fellow players. Her frequent lucky streaks resulted in an increase in the collection plate the following Sunday.  She kept her mind sharp working the New York Times crossword      puzzles and beating her children playing dominos and other games. She was strong-willed and even to the end maintained her dignity and grace. Frances E. Hubbard peacefully, painlessly, and willingly answered God's call to come join him in heaven on April 16 ^th , 2015.