Frances Tankersley

Frances' service video can be found on our website on the PHOTOS AND VIDEOS tab and clicking WEBCASTING VIDEO ** Frances Lou Deen Tankersley, well known and very loved longtime resident of Terrell, passed away June 30th, at the age of 101, She was born on November 22, 1921, in Emory, Texas to Charles Bernis Deen and Leah Kathryn (Woodson) Deen, both of whom preceded her in death along with her beloved husband, Dennis Tankersley, sister, Tommie Lee Sadler and daughter-in-law, Louise Parker Tankersley. Her family is quite confident that when she opened her eyes in Heaven, she was greeted with the words of our Lord spoken in Matthew 25:21, “Well done, my good and faithful servant…” Frances’ life took her to many different parts of Texas. While she was a young child, the Deen family moved to Sweetwater, where Frances began her Elementary schooling in first grade through graduation from Sweetwater High School in 1939. She finished her Bachelor of Science degree at Texas Tech University after which she accepted a job at Lubbock Army Airfield. It was there that she met Army Air Corp Lt. James Dennis Tankersley, a flight instructor in advanced pilot training, marrying Dennis on Oct. 7, 1944. When Dennis was sent to the Philippines, Frances returned home to Sweetwater where she taught school until Dennis’ honorable discharge from the Service. They moved to Terrell to build their lives and family together. It was here in Terrell their two sons, James Deen Tankersley and Greg Woodson Tankersley were born, and it was also here the family became an integral part of the civic life and activities of the First United Methodist Church, the city of Terrell and later, the schools. Frances was a member and past president of the Pioneer Club and the Terry D. Browning Club. She also taught Sunday School for over 20 years at the Methodist Church while serving on numerous committees and boards of the church. Part of her time was spent volunteering in civic activities such as cancer fundraisers and driving cancer patients for treatment. Amidst these and other duties, she found time to play tennis and golf which she loved and her very favorite pastime: bridge. She dearly loved to play games of bridge with family and friends, and she was often heard to say she would play “every chance I get.” In 1967, Dennis passed away and life changed. Frances went back to college for her Masters degree as well as continued her learning and developing her skills with numerous hours beyond the degree requirements. She taught homemaking at Terrell High School for several years, and after acquiring the necessary certifications, became a trusted and favorite guidance counselor. She also attained the title of Supervisor for Special Services for Terrell ISD. After retiring in 1984, she was back to golf and free time activities such as delivering Meals on Wheels, which she continued for years. Frances was never one to ‘stay still’ and her many adventures with her friends from church, colleagues, and her family, along with the time she gave to others, kept her going practically every minute of every day. Frances will be missed by so many generations whose lives she touched. Frances is survived by her sons: James Deen Tankersley and wife, Margaret of Thousand Oaks, CA; Greg Woodson Tankersley and Melissa Graham of Arlington, TX; Her four grandchildren: James Dennis Tankersley and wife Krysta of Beaumont, CA, Jennifer Rickets and husband, Cory of Ridgecrest, CA, Kathryn Tankersley and Thomas Cooper of Ridgecrest, CA, and Benjamin Tankersley and wife Cayla of Mountainview, CA; Her six great grandchildren: Parker and Samantha Tankersley, Noah and Ally Rickets, Rowan Tankersley, and Elliott Cooper-Tankersley; sister-in-law: Mrs. Hope Tankersley of Washington, DC, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family, church family, and countless friends. A visitation will be held at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 5-7:30 PM. Funeral Service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM. In memory of Frances’ heart for serving others, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. College, Terrell, 75160 or to Scottish Rite Hospital at www.scottishritehospital.org

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Frances Tankersley

November 22, 1921 - June 30, 2023