Franceil Elizabeth Coffman Reagan was born August 5, 1927, in El Dorado, Arkansas, and passed into the arms of our heavenly Father June 26, 2023. A loving Community of Saints no doubt welcomed her at the finish line of a nearly 96-year race that symbolized the spirit of the World War II generation.
A product of the Humble Oil Camp of Montgomery County, Franceil grew up with seven siblings. She showed the character, determination, devotion to God, commitment to family, and a loving spirit which her community and those close-knit families of that era instilled in their children. She lived in Montgomery County, Texas, almost her entire life. Her role as a military spouse and subsequent career stops for Humble Oil required brief periods away from her roots in support of her family and country.
She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her path in life was set early when she spotted a misplaced letter jacket left by a handsome, bright boy on her Conroe High School campus. Preserving possession of the jacket for its owner and perhaps motivated by a bit more, she took it home and presented it to him later with little evidence of ulterior motive. He was smitten and that spark led to an over 70-year marriage to her beloved Ferrell. Raising five children, they were destined for adventure that so many of that generation embraced and in which an abiding love thrived. She created a home where children knew unconditional love. Ferrell was captivated; a simple family meal was a feast, and anyone that passed through her doors felt welcome.
Franceil was generous to the end of her life. She had a loving and giving spirit for those in need and was dedicated to the security of her family. Rarely did you leave her presence that she did not pull out her wallet and present her children and any offspring, regardless of age, with folding money “just in case” they might need it for an emergency. If it was refused it always found a way into your car or purse. The Great Depression impacted her in a way that she never wanted others to feel the uncertainty of their next meal or other need. A deep drive to stay connected to her siblings made Coffman family fellowship a wonderful regularity. Her holiday and family celebrations were unforgettable. She crafted wonderful meals tirelessly in her kitchen and immaculately kept her home in preparation for huge gatherings. She never ceased to curate and wrap every present for members of her expanding family. And she always made sure that any casual friend, short term boy or girlfriend or distant acquaintance who was present received a gift they had no reason to expect.
The loss of Ferrell and then the onset of dementia would alter her life in a manner that had to be difficult. But in her last bit of time on this earth she still radiated warmth, peace, and love. And when her family played Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and other music of that era, she would come to attention, recalling the tunes, words, and performers. Then she would be transported to another time and place which we likely would all envy. Ferrell was totally devoted to her and he recognized she embodied the verse in Proverbs 31: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” While making her home that special place required most of her energies, she also found time to work in CISD as a paraprofessional and enjoyed travel, gardening, and painting. They worshiped at Mims Baptist Church for most of their lives, giving them the foundation to be a wonderful wife and husband team. They thrived in their roles together and gave so much more to others than each ever wished to receive. Their lives as a couple were a fantastic model for each subsequent generation.
Franceil was preceded in death by parents Jacob and Dovie Coffman; husband Ferrell Reagan; son Bruce Reagan; grandson Wesley Allen and seven siblings: Hazel Owen; Monty Coffman; Elmer Coffman; Othell Hoot; Doris Berkley; Geraldine Sapp; and Bobbie Jean Sapp. She is survived by son Dennis Reagan and wife Marti; daughter Connie Reagan; daughter Karen Wilkerson and husband Mark; son Keith Reagan and wife Danae; granddaughter Casey Herridge and husband William; grandson Travis Reagan and wife Annie; granddaughter Deborah Allen; granddaughter Elizabeth Wilkerson and husband Stefanos Touzos; grandson Jacob Wilkerson and wife Sara; grandson Sam Reagan; granddaughter Sidney Boyes and husband Cody; along with 9 nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. We will miss her terribly but take heart in her reunion with Ferrell and the family and friends she missed so much in her later years.
We celebrate Franceil and are comforted knowing she has found eternal joy in our Father’s house. A visitation for Franceil will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. A funeral service will occur Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. A graveside interment will occur Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Conroe Memorial Park, 1600 Porter Road, Conroe, Texas 77301.
Serving as pallbearers are Travis Reagan, William Herridge, Jake Wilkerson, Stefanos Touzos, Sam Reagan and Cody Boyes.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Reagan family.
