HOUSTON - Frances (Carter) Vinson, of Houston, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011. Frances was born Jan. 23, 1932, to Carl and Marie (Takoes) Carter, in Ridley Park, Pa. Mrs. Vinson worked her way through nursing school, obtaining her R.N. After the birth of her 3rd child, she became a full-time homemaker. While her daughters were involved with the Girl Scouts, she was very active with them. She served on the board of Chesapeake Bay Girl Scout council. At the same time, she was active with the PTA, serving in several offices. Mrs. Vinson was a life time member of the Ladies Aux. of the Houston Volunteer Fire Company. She held several offices at the company level as well as the Kent County Association. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Vinson was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Charles J. Vinson Sr.; a sister, Janet R. Chadwick; and brother-in-law, A. Thomas Chadwick. She is survived by her six children, Larry F. and wife Marion Vinson of Felton, Dottie Jean and husband Bill Robinson of Alabama, Mary Frances Vinson of Salisbury, Md., Charles J. Jr., and wife Michelle Vinson of Houston, David Ward and wife Kimberly Vinson of Milford, and Susan C. Payton, also of Houston; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at 10 a.m., in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, where friends may call Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.