Frances L. Morales

It is with profound sadness, yet deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Frances L. Morales, who entered eternal rest on February 6, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born on November 12, 1933, in Raymondville, Texas, Frances was a lifelong resident of the Rio Grande Valley and a devoted member of the Brownsville community. She dedicated her life to education, faith, family, and public service—leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and families.

Frances graduated from Raymondville High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Texas A&I University in Kingsville in 1956. She later completed her Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education from Texas A&I University in 1976 and pursued post-graduate studies at Texas A&M University in Vocational and Adult Education.

Her career in education spanned more than 5 decades. She began teaching in Brownsville in 1954, later serving in Raymondville Public Schools and teaching in Monterrey, Nuevo León, México, at the American School Foundation. She continued her work as an Oral Language Specialist in Edinburg and taught in the Irving Independent School District before returning home to Brownsville ISD, where she faithfully served as an elementary teacher.

In 1976, Frances made history as the first Hispanic woman elected to the Brownsville Independent School District Board of Trustees, serving from 1976 to 1982. During her tenure, she served as Secretary and later as Vice President of the Board. Her leadership extended beyond Brownsville, as she served as President of the Rio Grande Valley School Board Association (1980–1981) and as Vice President of the Southern Region of the National Hispanic School Board Members Association. She was also President-elect of the Mexican American School Board Association of Texas and served on the Legislative Committee for the Texas Association of School Boards.

Along with her husband, Dr. Frank J. Morales she was founder and administrator of the IOM (Instituto Odontológico de Matamoros).

Deeply committed to expanding educational opportunity and equity, Frances served as Trustee for the Jack Sullivan Scholarship Fund at Texas Southmost College and was a member of the Task Force for the Ford Foundation Grant awarded to the college.

Her civic involvement was equally distinguished. She served on the Board of Directors of the Mr. Amigo Association and was elected President in 1988. She was active in the Industrial Areas Foundation. A proud member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas since 1984, Frances was an active parishioner of Mary Mother of the Church, where she served in the Hostess Ministry, taught CCD, and was elected to the Parish Council.

Frances was also deeply engaged in the political life of her community, running for State Representative and for City Commissioner—always advocating for education, opportunity, and the well-being of the families.

She was fondly remembered during her public service for her heartfelt campaign slogan:

“Don’t Take Chances — Vote for Frances.”

Above all, Frances was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Frank J. Morales, her cherished granddaughter, Vanessa Kristen Morales, sister Sylvia L. Garza and brother Santos V. Lozano Jr.

She is survived by her loving children: Nubia (Carlos); Frank Jr; James; Ernesto (Rosalinda); and David (Denise); along with 14 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and two on their way.She is also survived by sisters Estella L. Canales and Illiana R. Lozano

She will be deeply missed. We know she now rest peacefully in God’s hands, watching over all of us!

A visitation will be held at the Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, Chapel of Peace, located at 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, on February 13, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 12:00 pm the following day. A rosary will also take place at the same location on February 13, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

The funeral mass is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Rd., Brownsville, TX 76801. Following the mass, the burial will occur at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, at 1:00 pm.