Frances was born April 13, 1916, in Ruston, Louisiana, and died on November 3, 2007, in Houston, Texas. Her family moved to Monroe, Louisiana, and after graduation from high school, Frances became a secretary for railroad lawyers for a number of years. She traveled extensively during this time for both work and pleasure. Frances met her husband, Earl, in Monroe when he was stationed there with the Air Force. They married and were transferred to Ellington Field in Houston. Following Earl’s tour of duty with the Air Force, he practiced law in Houston. While in Houston, Earl and Frances welcomed the births of their two children, Jim and Tan.
In 1955, the family moved to Silsbee, and Earl opened his law office with Frances as his secretary. Both were very active in the community, especially in the life of the First United Methodist Church. Following Earl’s death in 1967, Frances went to work for the United States Post Office in Silsbee. During that time, she again traveled and enjoyed her trips to Europe, Russia and Hawaii. Frances also enjoyed cruises for many years. Frances wan an avid patron of the library and was one of the founders of the Ice House Museum, an endeavor in which she took pride. An accomplished artist, Frances won many awards for her art throughout the years. She particularly loved to paint portraits of children.
In addition to her love of family, church and the arts, Frances also found pleasure in the outdoors and in caring for her flowers and yard.
Frances is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Carole Cobble Wills, and her daughter, Frances “Tan” Parker, all of Houston. Her beloved grandchildren are James and Hope Wills of New York, Julie and Darin Preston of Houston, Courtney and David Whitworth of Austin and Phillip and Stephanie Parker of Houston. Frances’ greatest joy was becoming a great grandmother. Her great grandchildren are Elliott Preston, Parker Whitworth and Kendall Parker.
Graveside services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont under the direction of R. S. Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee.
