The Rev. Frances Ann Hills of Pittsfield, known affectionately as Reverend Francie, left this world and returned to the loving arms of Jesus Christ on November 24, 2024. She was surrounded by the warmth of those she cared for deeply.
Rev. Francie is survived by her husband Marc Lawrence Britt; brother Cecil Hills; her niece Kathy (Mark) Higgins and their children, Syndey and Georgie Lacey and Amy Britt; her nephew Sean (Jeanie) Hills; her grandson Atticus Ackley, and her beloved lifelong friend Susan Willis. She is predeceased by her parents, Cecil Elmer Hills and Athalee Hills.
Born on December 29, 1948, to Cecil and Athalee in Oklahoma City, Okla., Francie attended Southern Methodist University and graduated from Oklahoma State University with degrees in journalism and music studies. She pursued a life of ministry, receiving her Master of Divinity from the Episcoal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in 1991.
Reverend Francie was ordained as a deacon by the Diocese of Northern Texas in 1992 at St. Andrew’s in Amarillo, Texas. She served as a priest in the same diocese in 1993 and at St. Paul’s in Maumee, Ohio. She served as Assistant Rector of St. Paul’s from 1993 to 1996 and became Rector of St. Andrew’s in Elyria, Ohio, from 1996 through 2007.
In 2007, Reverend Francie was called to serve as the Rector of St. James Church in Great Barrington, which later transitioned to Grace Church in the Southern Berkshires. She led the church community with grace and strength from 2007 to 2013, responding promptly and compassionately to parishioner needs and shepherding a vibrant spiritual community as it practiced beyond the walls of a traditional church.
Under Reverend Francie’s leadership, Grace Church launched important initiatives touching the lives of those in need through creative collaborations such as Gideon’s Garden, a youth-operated farm that began in 2008 when some young people from Grace Church set out to help the hungry in our community.
Reverend Francie’s exceptional organizational skills and creative problem-solving were valued in her volunteer services to organizations locally and nationally, including the Commission to End Racism, The Anglican Partnership Commission, alternate deputy of the General Convention, founding board member of Main Street Elyria, the Ohio Consortium for Ministries in Public Higher Education, University of Toledo Campus Ministry, chaplaincy at Northwest Texas Hospital, and the Trinity Wall Street’s Clergy Leadership Project.
Reverend Francie’s warm smile, generous spirit, and love for others touched many hearts. Beneath her quiet southern accent was a strong and creative soul who inspired and encouraged others through her preaching and collaborative efforts that could foster an environment for a better world. In return, she was cherished and welcomed into the lives of those fortunate enough to be around her.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 3 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 East St., Pittsfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Reverend Francie to a charity of your choice directly or in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.
