Angel Statue Honors Lexington Woman Lost to 1918 Flu Pandemic

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This is the first installment of a new series exploring the stories behind the gravestones in Lexington City Cemetery. The article focuses on the gravestone of Frances March Williams, a young woman from a prominent Lexington family who died at age 24 during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. An angel statue stands as a lasting memorial to Frances, whose promising future was tragically cut short by the deadly illness.

Why it matters

The story of Frances March Williams provides a poignant window into the devastating impact of the 1918 flu pandemic, which claimed millions of lives worldwide. Her gravestone and the angel statue that stands watch over it serve as a reminder of the personal tragedies behind the staggering death toll, as well as the enduring grief felt by those left behind.

The details

Frances March Williams was born in 1894 to a prominent Lexington family. She was described as a 'refined, cultured, and well-educated' young woman who was active in the local Methodist church. In the fall of 1918, as the Spanish flu began spreading across North Carolina, the Williams family moved to Winston-Salem. Just six weeks later, Frances contracted the illness and died within five days, at the age of 24. Her mother, Luna, was devastated by the loss and had her daughter's gravestone engraved with a heartbreaking message: 'Master, thou mayst keep my gem safe in the house not made with hands. 'Tis Thine and mine.' Today, an angel statue stands as a lasting memorial to Frances, keeping watch over her grave in the Lexington City Cemetery.

• Frances March Williams was born on August 16, 1894.
• The Williams family moved to Winston-Salem in the fall of 1918 as the Spanish flu began spreading across North Carolina.
• Frances contracted the flu and died on October 20, 1918, just five days after falling ill.
• Frances' gravestone was engraved by her mother, Luna, in the days after her death.

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