Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 22, 2016

Frances Bird Wansker, aged 90, passed away on September 22, 2016 at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster in Charlotte, NC.

She was born March 10, 1926 in Troy, New York and was baptized in the Episcopal Church by her grandfather, Rev. Henry Macbeth. Frances was the daughter of Prof. Harold C. Bird and Eleanor Macbeth Bird. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Bernard A. Wansker, and her brothers, John Macbeth Bird and Rev. Robert Macbeth Bird. Frances is survived by her sons, the Hon. Henry B. Wansker (Irene Sawyer), Robert J. Wansker (Melissa Stroh Wansker); grandsons Robert J. Wansker, Jr. (Andrea) and Austin Stroh Wansker, as well as three nieces and three nephews.

Frances moved to Durham, NC as an infant, graduated from Durham High School in 1944 and Duke University in 1948. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. After graduation, she worked at the Duke Medical Center where she met her future husband. Frances and Barney moved to Charlotte in 1955 where she enjoyed living on Biltmore Drive for 48 years. She was a member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday School and later, Christ Episcopal Church. She was also a member of the Charlotte Medical Society Auxiliary and "team Mom" for many youth sports teams.

In addition to her family, she loved her dogs and golf. She first became interested in golf after attending a Mike Souchak golfing exhibition in Durham. She was a member of Myers Park Country Club for 57 years, winning the Ladies Club Championship in 1966 and was runner-up six additional times. She became a championship caliber golfer under the expertise of then Myers Park CC Head Professional Dave Tinsley. One of her golfing highlights was playing in an exhibition with LPGA Hall of Famer Patty Berg, Carol Mann and Pam Barnett at Myers Park CC after winning the Ladies Championship.

She was a direct descendant of John Tinker who arrived in Boston, MA in 1638 and was proud to have had a great-great-great grandfather and several relatives who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

The family would like to thank the gracious staff at Levine & Dickson Hospice House for their excellent care during Frances' last illness. Memorials should be made to the Alzheimer's Association , the American Macular Degeneration Foundation or the Levine & Dickson Hospice House.

A private gravesite celebration of Frances' life is planned.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Ye Sons of Men! Earth's Easters Have Begun! Rev. Henry Macbeth

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 704-641-7606.