FRANCES H. RICKETTS of Denton died January 3, 2010 at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD after a brief illness. She was born March 31, 1927 in Accomack County, VA. She was 82. Mrs. Ricketts graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1945 and from Morgan State College in 1950 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in English and later a Masters Degree in Education. After moving to Denton, MD in 1953. She met and married B. Franklin Ricketts in 1954. As an educator, she taught in the public school systems of Frederick County and Caroline County in Maryland. Retiring after 30 years of service "was one of the hardest decisions I had to make in my life" stated Mrs. Ricketts. Though retired, Mrs. Ricketts continued to have a finger on the pulse of the community. She served on many committees, boards and organizations. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1985. Mrs. Ricketts is survived by her sister Mrs. Alice Greene of Baltimore, MD, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, godchildren, cousins and many friends. A public viewing will be from 11 A.M. until 7 P.M. on Saturday January 9, 2010 at Union Bethel AME Church, 505 Lincoln Street, Denton, MD. Funeral services will 11 A.M. Monday January 11, 2010, also at Union Bethel AME Church in Denton where friends may view one hour prior. Burial will be in the Veteran Cemetery in Hurlock, MD. Condolences may be sent to benniesmithfuneralhome.com