Frances J. West-Poma
    Submit Your Condolence

    All condolence submissions are moderated for legitimacy and appropriateness before posting online. Your email address will not be published.

      Frances J. West-Poma

      July 21, 2026

      Frances Juanita Cleary West-Poma, 80, of Rosedale, Maryland, passed away peacefully July 21, 2026 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, surrounded by the love of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucie and Walter Cleary; her brothers Tommy and Eddie and sisters Georgie and Shelby.

      Born on November 9, 1945, in Havaco, West Virginia, Frances lived a life defined by faith, service, strength, and unconditional love. She proudly served her country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, a reflection of the dedication and resilience that remained with her throughout her life.

      Frances was a devoted member of Prince of Peace Church in Rosedale, Maryland, where her faith guided her daily life. She also faithfully served as Chaplain of American Legion Post 130, offering comfort, encouragement, and support to fellow veterans and their families. She was a hardworking woman who found great joy in volunteering, spending time with her many friends, and caring for those she loved. Her faithful companion, her beloved dog, Lil Bit Lea, was the center of her world and brought her endless happiness. Frances also enjoyed life's simple pleasures—a good cup of coffee, watching Hallmark movies, and spending time with family.

      One of Frances' greatest joys was visiting the Outer Banks, where she treasured making memories with her children and grandchildren. She found peace by the ocean, and the beach always held a special place in her heart. It brings her family great comfort knowing that she was able to spend her final days in a place she loved so much, surrounded by those who loved her most.

      Frances is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Cubler and Michele Renee Godsey (Rick); her cherished grandchildren, Blake Cubler, David Cubler, Kaitlyn Carlisle (Tait), and Madison Godsey; her precious great-granddaughter, Charlotte Renee Carlisle; her beloved sisters, Louise Cregger and Norma White; and many treasured friends and extended family members who will forever remember her kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and gentle spirit.

      Frances will be cremated in accordance with her wishes.  A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. She will be laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Building Fund at Prince of Peace Church in Rosedale, Maryland, a place that meant so much to Frances.

      Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing she is at peace. Her legacy of faith, service, compassion, strength, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. Gallop Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Gallopfuneralservices.com.

        OUR HISTORY

        The Nags Head Chapel and Company Headquarters

        Nags Head Chapel

        Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.

        Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

        The Barco Memorial Chapel - Currituck

        Barco Chapel

        In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.

        Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

        Capital Crematory

        Capital Crematory

        In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.

          OBITUARIES

          SEARCH ALL OBITUARIES
          GFSLIST
          GFSPAGING
          GFSALT
          GFSALT
            GFSTITLE
            Submit Your Condolence

            All condolence submissions are moderated for legitimacy and appropriateness before posting online. Your email address will not be published.

              GFSTITLE

              GFSDATE
              GFSBODY