Frances Murphy Love

On July 17, 2026, Frances Murphy Love, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and educator peacefully passed away in Forest, VA. The wife of the late Melvin Love, Sr., Frances was the daughter of Sula Southerland and Daniel Grey Murphy, born on May 19, 1936. She was the first baby born on the community of Penderlea Farms, a WPA-era project which provided opportunities for homes and farmland to a number of young families who were struggling to overcome the throes of recession effects on the farms of southeastern North Carolina. The family home presently serves as the location of Penderlea Homestead Museum. Growing up there she was actively involved in Penderlea school activities and in Potts Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Frances graduated from Penderlea High School in 1954, then continued her education, earning a BS degree in Elementary Education from Montreat College and an MA degree in Early Childhood Education from UNC-Charlotte. She taught kindergarten and elementary classes for 35 years in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County school systems.

A member of First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, NC, she also spent many years with Newell Presbyterian Church where she lovingly served in many capacities including Sunday School, choir, Women of the Church, and positions of elder and on the Clerk of Session.

Frances greatly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her love and encouraging support were vital to so many in this ever-expanding circle. She was a gifted singer who was a member of choirs and choruses, as well as performing solo, from childhood through many years of her adult life. She had great interests in outdoor activities including gardening and bird watching. She loved to read, with a special interest in children’s literature.

She is survived by her sister, Betty Klavins (Zvi) of Plantation, FL, son Melvin Love, Jr. (Terri) of Forest, VA, daughter Melody Love-Nivens of Rutherfordton, NC, and son-in-law Douglas Rothrock of Belmont, NC; grandchildren Daniel Love (Laura), Jesse Love, Lauren Love, Nick Rothrock, great granddaughters Mary Ella Hazel Love and Emily Grace Violet Love; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Melvin Love, daughter Elizabeth Rothrock, son-in-law Danny Nivens and sisters Dorothy Batten and Edith Murphy.

A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC. A Celebration of Frances' life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 200 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, with a reception to follow in the Welcome Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte Music Ministry, Newell Presbyterian Church, St Judes Children’s Hospital.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.