Wednesday, June 28, 2017.
Beloved daughter of the late Frank and Nell Gillett; dear sister of the late Neal (Carmelita) Gillett and Martha (Lewis) Robertson; dear aunt of David (Patricia) Gillett, Dana (the late Jim) Hamilton, Doug (Danna) Gillett, Chris (Jacque) Robertson, Dan (Peg) Robertson, Lisbeth Allison, Paul (Sharon) Robertson and the late Mike (Laura) Robertson; our dear great-aunt and dearest friend Sybil Charon.
Services: Instate at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd., on Thursday, July 6, from 11 am until time of service at 12 noon. Interment at Marcus Memorial Park Cemetery (Fredericktown, MO). In lieu of flowers, contributions to Meramec Community College Music Department or Artists Presentation Society, 156 Camfield Square Dr., St. Louis, MO, 63141.
St.Louis area vocal music teacher, Frances Gillett, passed away on June 28, 2017 at 5:05 p.m. Gillett had an illustrious career including High School Choir Director for thirty years. She was Choral Music Director at Cape Girardeau Central High School for 13 years. After a year teaching in St.Louis, Miss Gillett was invited to teach at the University of Michigan, where she had received her Master ‘s Degree in piano and voice. While teaching at the University of Michigan University, Miss Gillett taught Music Education classes and also conducted a Radio Music Show entitled “Festival of Song” which included ten radio stations reaching 80,000 students. When the St. Louis Community College was initiated, Miss Gillett was invited to establish the Music Departments at Flo Valley, Forrest Park and Meramec which became her permanent campus. Gillett taught classes in Music Appreciation, class piano, class voice and founded the Meramec Choir.
Miss Gillett was a member of several cultural organization; she became President of the Artist Presentation Society, where she served as Audition and Publicity Chair for many years. In addition to her College teaching, Gillett gave private voice and piano lessons. Many of her students have had successful careers in performance and music teaching. Most received No. I ratings in district and state competitions. Gillett was invited to adjudicate many state and local music competitions. After serving on the MMEA State Board of Directors, Gillett was asked to conduct the Missouri “All State Choir” with rehearsals and a concert at the University of Missouri. The 181 – voice choir also performed for the Mo. State Educators in St. Louis at Kiel Auditorium. Gillett served as guest conductors of many Choral Festivals in Missouri and Illinois. Her constant goal as a music teacher was to develop and promote the young talented musicians to the best of their ability.
Donations may be made to Artist Presentation Society, or Meramec Community College Scholarship Fund for Music Students.