The Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club honored one of its own on May 14, at the final banquet meeting for this administration. Frances Cornelia Ashworth Senter has become the longest tenured members of the Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club of all time. Begun in 1926, the Varina Woman’s Club evolved into the Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club during the 1950’s. Even before that date Frances was named “Clubwoman of the Year” for 1948-49. The oldest honor of the club, she became the fifth woman so named by the club. Impressively, Frances has been named Woman of the Year five times over her long membership: 1949. 1969, 1978, 1996, and 2004.
Other honors given to Frances include the Distinquished Service Award and the Friendship Award. Elected honors include: Corresponding Secretary 1959, Vice President 1965-67, Second Vice President during the 1990’s and of course President: 1967-69. Service to the club has been continuous. Frances has chaired Public Affairs, Home Life, Conservation, Yearbook, and Scrapbook over the years. However, her most extensive service has been in House and Grounds where she is currently serving as chairman.
Nationally, the club won a “National Crusade for Light” honor in 1966 under Frances’s leadership. Fuquay-Varina was one of 13 communities across the United States to be so recognized in that program. However, upon being honored, Frances reminded the club members that the contribution she most remembered was that of Ways and Means. To raise funds for the club, she was instrumental in organizing an Antique Show for a number of years. “That was great fun,” she remembered.
Based upon the earliest records available to the club, Frances begins her 64th year as a member of the club with 2012-13. Her record surpasses Myrtle Hopson who held membership for 63 years. Moreover, Frances has been an “ACTIVE” member all of those years and continues to be working in House and Grounds today. Attending the banquet to share in the recognition were her three daughters. Her husband of 62 years, Jack Senter, not able to attend, was cheering for her along with Milton, her son, and nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Two daughters, Fran Ashworth Baggs and Kim Ashworth Johnson, have joined Frances as members of the same club. This mother-two daughter membership is also a first according to our rolls. What a record!
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