Frances Wills

Frances Eliza Wills (married name: Frances Thorpe; 12 July 1910 – 18 January 1998) was an American naval officer and one of the first two African American female officers commissioned by the United States Navy. After her years with the WAVES, she worked as a secretary to Langston Hughes.

Early life Frances Eliza Wills was born in Philadelphia. She was working in New York as a social worker when approached to enlist with the WAVES. Both women were sent to the WAVES training facility in New York City, where Wills became a classification test administrator for the enlisted. This was published under her married name, Francis Wills Thorpe. Her husband was Charles L. Thorpe. Wills also became President of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden Auxiliary, in Palm Coast, Florida.

Frances Wills Thorpe died on 18 January 1998. A memorial service was held for her in Sag Harbor, New York.