Mary Frances "Fran" Pope

She was born on July 16, 1941 in Buckholts, Texas. She was a devoted housewife, friend, and mother to family and all that knew her. After graduating from Yoe High School in Cameron, Texas, she moved to Austin, Texas. While there she met and married a U.S. Soldier, Dana O. Pope. Not long after meeting, the two were married on September 29th, 1961. Being a soldier’s wife, she excelled in showing her strengths as a wife and mother; this being proven by raising two children, at times on her own, and with the assistance of family in the area. She was also forced to relocate and establish new lifestyles, but she wouldn’t have changed a thing. By the time she moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1973, she had experienced and succeeded in accomplishing what most women of today couldn’t comprehend. But she wasn’t done yet.

During the years, mother would set the standard for her children by cooking (and good at it), crocheting/knitting (a trait handed to a grandchild), sewing (shirts, pants, whatever it took to make ends meet), and bowling (every week, like clockwork). When Kathy was old enough, she got into Brownies, Girl Scouts, etc. and mom followed suit. She became a leader and enjoyed it so much that she continued even after her daughter was no longer involved. When she felt she had done what she could there, it was on to the ceramics and the craft shows. These she really looked forward to, as she met and became friends with people from all over the country. For years, you’d hear her talk about the different shows and how she wouldn’t be ready. Hah, she always made the show. Oh, you can’t forget about the genealogy phase, as she would spend hours and hours on the computer (after she learned how to turn one on) and search for every side of the family. This brought her closer to more of her distant family members and meeting an even larger circle of people. These are only a few of her desires and hurdles that she had throughout her life, and by all means, not all inclusive. Having her around and just listening to her gripe with that big grin on her face for all those years will forever affect our lives and will be seen for years to come in her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Dana O. Pope. She is survived by her two children; Katherine and husband Craig Evans, Bulverde Tx; Robert and wife Donna Pope, Corsicana Tx; four grandchildren, Amanda and husband Logan Jones, Crystal Pope, Matthew Evans, and Candace Pope; one great-granddaughter, Addison Jones; brothers and sisters: Jerry Lesikar, Annie and husband Steve Welborn, Albert and wife Janet Lesikar, Doris and husband Rito Rodriguez, Ricky Lesikar, and Raymond Lesikar; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Brooke Army Medical Center for their exceptional, compassionate care during her time there.