Frankie Lons’ Death and Obituary – On July 18, 2021, Frankie Lons, the biological mother of renowned R&B singer Keyshia Cole, tragically passed away at the age of 61 due to a drug overdose. Lons had been celebrating her birthday at her home in Oakland, California, when the relapse occurred. Her death has brought attention to the long and painful struggle she faced with addiction, as well as her deep love for her children, particularly Keyshia, despite the challenges their relationship endured over the years.
Lons’ battle with substance abuse was a long-standing issue that heavily impacted both her personal life and her relationship with her children. Throughout much of her life, Lons struggled to maintain sobriety, often slipping back into addiction after attempts to recover. Her son, Sam, confirmed the details of her passing, expressing his pain over the loss and reflecting on the years of his mother’s struggle. Sam, who had been a consistent source of support for Lons, emphasized that, despite her addiction, Frankie’s legacy should not be solely defined by her struggles but also by her immense love for her family. He stated that she worked hard to keep her children united despite the difficulties they faced, and that she was a mother who genuinely cared about her children’s well-being.
The story of Frankie Lons’ relationship with her children is one of both hardship and love. Lons made the decision to give up her daughter, Keyshia Cole, for adoption when she was just a child. Keyshia was placed in the care of family friends, Leon and Yvonne Cole, while Frankie struggled with her addiction. This decision created a complex relationship between mother and daughter, one that was not easily healed even after they reunited years later. Although Keyshia found success in her music career, she openly discussed the emotional toll of growing up without her biological mother and the strain it put on their relationship. Despite this, Keyshia worked to rebuild a bond with her mother, even as Frankie’s addiction continued to complicate their connection.
Keyshia Cole has been transparent about her fears and struggles as she watched her mother battle addiction. In the years leading up to Frankie’s death, Keyshia often spoke of the emotional turmoil of watching her mother relapse, worrying that one day she would lose her. In a heartbreaking tweet, Keyshia recalled a conversation with Frankie where she expressed her fear of losing her mother, to which Frankie responded, “YOU’LL be aight.” This poignant exchange revealed the complicated, yet deeply loving relationship between them, one marked by fear, love, and the harsh realities of addiction.
Frankie Lons’ passing also drew attention to the financial and emotional difficulties that Keyshia Cole faced while trying to support her mother. In 2016, Keyshia revealed that she had exhausted her finances in an effort to care for Frankie, highlighting the immense pressure placed on families of individuals struggling with addiction. Despite these challenges, Keyshia’s aunt continued to support Frankie, underscoring the complex dynamics often found in families dealing with substance abuse.
Frankie Lons’ death serves as a painful reminder of the devastating effects addiction can have on families. While her struggles were public, her family members, particularly her children, have expressed their desire for her legacy to be remembered not just for her battles but for the love she had for her family. Frankie’s passing marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in her life, one that was filled with both love and hardship. Her memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of her children, especially Keyshia Cole, whose journey with her mother was one of both love and painful loss.