Frances Leslie Griffin

Frances Griffin was born February 15, 1926 in Dilley, Texas. She was the third daughter born to Louise Kendall Lovett and Frank Evan Lovett. Frances was born little sister to Margaret Elizabeth and Nancy Estelle and four years later became big sister to Frank Evan, Jr. The Lovett children spent a good part of their childhood in Ft Worth, Texas, where they weathered the Great Depression by raising chickens and a cow and plowing a garden, all in the small backyard of their home’s city lot.

The Lovett girls took piano lessons and learned early the value of discipline and hard work. Frances blossomed as an artist at a young age but found she was more drawn to visual arts, loving painting and poetry. She graduated with Honors from John Tarleton Agricultural College in 1946, where she won a poetry contest and was active in student council, the “Aggettes,” was the associate editor of Grassburg (the college newpaper) and was selected Junior Favorite in 1945 then Senior F.F.A. Sweetheart in 1946.

Frances married Jack Stoddard Griffin in Ft Worth on October 30, 1948. They had three children, Jack Stoddard, Jr. born in 1949; Elizabeth Ruth born in 1953; and Frank Lovett born in 1957.

The Griffins loved to travel and lived in Australia for several years when the children were young. When they returned to the U.S. they settled back in Texas. With their own hands and side by side, Frances and Jack built their home in Spicewood, a monumental task, but one filled with love and creativity. Frances would live in that home the rest of her life.

Frances passion was her painting. She studied with an artist in Austin, Texas and painted from her studio in Marble Falls. From rousing western scenes to gentle portraits, Frances had the gift of capturing the emotion and experience of the subjects she painted. Especially interested in and specializing in children’s portaits. Later she taught oil painting classes from her own studio.

Frances was no stranger to heartache, yet she handled it with grace. Brother Frank died in the Korean War in 1953. Sister Nancy died from cancer in 1966. Daughter Elizabeth died in 1989 at a young age, as a result of an auto accident. Frances’ dear husband and partner Jack died suddenly in 2002, after which she never wished to paint again. Then eldest son Jack Jr died from cancer 2007.

Frances, such a beautiful woman, will be missed but remains forever implanted in the hearts of those who were blessed in having met her. She accepted everyone and welcomed them in with her amazing ability to see everything and everyone as utmost beautiful. Being an outstanding artist, she could open your eyes and heart not only through her paintings, but in the way she explained such simple things as the colors of the trees and sky. Though she was a woman of grace, strength and dignity she maintained a child like sense in her minds eye to keep a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face. Listening to her, you’d be reminded of how alive the world around us truly is, as you also learned to "stop and smell the roses” a little more often.

Frances is survived by her youngest son Frank; granddaughter Audrey Joy Griffin; her eldest sister Margaret Pelton Webster; four nieces and a nephew.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will follow at 11am, then Frances will be laid to rest beside her husband of 54 years, Jack Stoddard Griffin, who preceded her in death 15 years ago.Officiating services will be Pastor Weldon French of First Baptist Church in Marble Falls, of which Frances was a devoted member and active in teaching for many years.

Her faith and courage gave her great enthusiasm infusing her successful ability for teaching and sharing her belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. From, without judgement, taking everyone she could in and giving them a helping hand with unconditional love , to always volunteering to teach the Word of God whether through the prison system or the next person that came walking through her door. The magical aura allowed her unique perspective on life to armor her, making her an inspiration to all with her gratitude and grace that will never be forgotten. No doubt that the Heavenly Father has a new angel by his side.