John Wall’s Mother, Frances Pulley, Has Passed Away
(Kris Connor | Getty Images)
After a rigorous battle against cancer, John Wall’s mother, Frances Pulley, passed away on Thursday.
The Washington Wizards guard made it known to the public back in February that his mother was battling cancer, this coming just days before Wall was set to have surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon that has kept him off the basketball court ever since.
“My spirits are great, man,” Wall said back on Feb. 8, 2019, according to NBC Sports. “Just spending time with my son, spending time with my mom that’s battling cancer.”
“God don’t make no mistakes,” Wall continued. “I can’t wonder why He did this, probably it’s a good time to spend with my mom while she’s battling this cancer and be there for her, and also be there for my son.”
Over 10 months later on Dec. 12, 2019, Pulley lost her battle against cancer.
Sad to report that John Wall’s mother, Frances Pulley, passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. She was intimately involved in the charity work of his foundation around the Triangle. pic.twitter.com/HoTnvAboZg
— Mark Armstrong (@ArmstrongABC11) December 13, 2019
Heartbroken for @JohnWall. His beloved mother, Frances Pulley, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. The job she did raising John into the man he is today — incredible. Everything John is today — humble, a servant leader, a man of God — he got from her.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) December 13, 2019
This loss is going to affect all of our staff because the type of person she was and the influence she had on @JohnWall.
Keep John and his family in your prayers.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) December 13, 2019
Not long after Wall made the announcement back in February of his mother’s illness, he posted on Instagram that he had tattooed a picture of Frances on the back of his neck as a touching tribute.
It’s a heartbreaking story for Wall, who was raised by his single mother in Raleigh, North Carolina. Wall has constantly credited Frances with being the person who shaped him into the fantastic man and basketball player he is today. His emotional Kentucky Hall of Fame speech from 2017 sums up everything you need to know about their relationship.
Pulley was a key figure in Wall’s philanthropy work off of the basketball court, working with her son to make significant improvements to their communities.
Wall’s father also passed away from cancer in his liver when John was just nine years old.
It’s been a rough year for Wall on several levels – the passing of his mother, multiple surgeries on his foot – but, as he mentioned, it allowed him more time to spend with family.
Wall’s mother did get to meet the next member of the Wall bloodline before her passing. John’s first son, Ace, recently turned one year old on Dec. 5.
Our thoughts go out to John and his family during this tough time in their lives.
10 Comments for John Wall’s Mother, Frances Pulley, Has Passed Away
That’s a tough one. Anytime one loses a parent it is. Rest in peace Miss Frances
Sorry for you loss JW, may your mom rest in peace.
I lost my mom a little over two years ago. I can only imagine that the loss of a child would be the only pain that would compare to losing the woman who suffered to bring you life. Thoughts and prayers to the Walls and to all who are grieving the loss of someone special during these holidays. BBN
RIP Frances Pulley!
Go BBN, Go John Wall, GO Frances Pulley, RIP
Sorry for the loss J-dub. Hope you and your family find peace in one another.
My heart breaks with yours, John Wall. May your mother rest peacefully until you can see each other again. Hold your baby tight and tell him of her every time your heartache comes back to you, cause it will. You and your family are in my prayers even now
BBN is mourning with you John Wall. I’m sure the school will probaly place the UK flags at half mass . This should have the team fired up now and i expecxt them to dedicate the rest of the year to the Wall family . And go on winning streak the rest of the season . This maybe might be a blessing for the guys to win it all go on a mission for John Wall .I’m sure Cal will tell the guys let’s do it for Wall. God bless you Wall. Matt what are you planning at the KSR bar for him?
That’s sucks. Hes been going through a lot professionally too. Now this.
Im still crying about this.