Frances Bracey Pilkington, age 93, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, January 26th. Born on February 27, 1932 to Charles Richard Bracey and Lela Maude Felts Bracey, she was one of thirteen children, survived by her sister, Pat Bracey Dausha. She was raised in Nashville and graduated from Cohn High School.

She was preceded in death by husband, John Earle Pilkington. Survived by children, Jan Pilkington Sweeney (Andy), John Earle Pilkington, Jr. (Jennifer), Ashley Pilkington Ownby (Ed), Richard Joseph Pilkington (Mary Winn); grandchildren: Joe Andrew Sweeney, III (Hannah), Janet Grace Sweeney, John Earle Pilkington, III, Robert Houston Vick, Chelsea McCafferty, Bernard Edward Ownby, III, Sarah Alison Pilkington, Leah Hope Pilkington; great-grandchildren: Eliza Ruth Sweeney, Heidi Elizabeth Sweeney, Joseph Luke Sweeney, James Robert Sweeney.

A native Nashvillian and the middle child of thirteen, Frances took full advantage of the opportunity to be independent and resourceful early in life. After marrying her late husband of 58 years, John Earle Pilkington, Sr., Frances began as a Book Keeper then became a Realtor, quickly building a network of friends. Soon finding herself with four children of her own, she always exhibited exceptional southern hospitality, often welcoming both her children’s friends and her own friends and family into her home for a warm meal. Through this hospitality, Frances’ incredible talents in the kitchen quickly became noticed and deeply appreciated by her many friends and family; she was asked by her mother-in-law, Gwen Pilkington, to launch the tearoom at Nashville’s Outlook Inn. She then started Party Time Catering and was later asked by Cheekwood to open and run the new Pineapple Room in 1977. She found herself catering events she had never imagined, with guests including political dignitaries and clients including the largest corporations in the Nashville area. Showing her mind for business and aiming to meet the demand for her amazing southern cooking, Frances launched the novel concept of providing her great food in a carry-out storefront, aptly naming it “Something Special,” ensuring that like her home, it served as a place of community, laughing, and joy. When she wasn’t cooking one of her famous dishes, Frances loved spending time with her grandchildren, acting as an incredible role model and mentor. Her free time was also consumed by her love of playing bridge and participating in many activities with her loving friends at The St. Paul Senior Living Community. Frances lived her life with unwavering integrity in her beliefs. She will be forever missed by all who were so fortunate to have known her, and her spirit will always be remembered and dearly appreciated.

Celebration of Life is Sunday, February 22 at 2:30pm at St. Paul Senior Living Community (5031 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, TN 37215)

In lieu of flowers please donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/ )