FRANCES LAWLEY

Frances Lawley passed away peacefully on January 22, 2022 at the age of 83. Fran lived most of her adult life in Texarkana, Texas, where she and her husband Mark raised a family of three boys. Fran always put her family first. She made it her life’s work to support her husband, nurture her sons, and, in her own words, “spoil” her grandchildren, and she did that work with her whole heart. Fran was also devoted to her Christian faith, which enriched and guided her life. In Texarkana, Mark and Fran served in the fellowship of Rose Hill Baptist Church and then Cross View Baptist Church, and Fran participated in Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse, and numerous service opportunities. Fran was a lady, not only in her classy appearance, her attention to manners, and her love of dainty things, but more importantly in her character: her natural gentleness, her unquenchable generosity, and her perpetual kindness. As an only child and then a young wife and mother, Fran was treasured by those closest to her, and rather than keeping that love to herself, she spent her life making everyone around her feel treasured, too. She took great pride in her family and found joy in giving and serving others. This gift took many forms over her lifetime, but perhaps her greatest gift was her love. Fran especially enjoyed the holidays, when her house was resplendent with lights, good cheer, and the signature Santa cookies she would craft with her mother. She also enjoyed travel, and over the years, she and Mark visited many places around the United States, though their most frequent stops were wherever their sons lived. When Mark passed away after 51 years of marriage, Fran leaned into her faith and handled widowhood with grace. Having relocated to Frisco, Texas, Fran embraced the opportunity to be closer to her immediate family, which afforded wonderful opportunities for her to feel safe and loved. She attended Christ United Methodist Church in Plano and became involved with First United Methodist Church, Frisco and was a member of the Silver Sombreros. Though she deeply missed her soulmate, she continued to love her family and became as cherished by her great-grandchildren as she had long been by their parents. Fran lived an abundant life. Her example of kindness, love, and generosity is a legacy which continues to inspire her three sons, Tim, Joey, and John, their wives Audie, Melissa, and Laura, her grandchildren, Lindsay, Mike, Ryann, Abbigail, Daniel, and Ben, and her seven great-grandchildren, including two eagerly anticipated arrivals. She will also be missed by her dear friend Marlane Wisdom and by her extended family, Darrah McGuire and Mark Todd Daines. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 4 from 4-6pm at East Funeral Home, 2807 Moores Lane, Texarkana, TX 75503. A service honoring Fran’s life will be held on Saturday, February 5 at 10 am at Cross View Baptist Church, 3268 North F.M. 2148, Texarkana, TX 75503. In lieu of flowers, Fran requested that donations in her memory be made to Samaritan’s Purse.