Frances “Mama Jo” Mansel, 72, passed away peacefully Monday, April 16 at her home surrounded by her family. Her husband of 53 years, Bobby, was singing to her as she drew her last breath and entered into the Lord’s loving arms.
Frances was born November 10, 1945 in Bryan, the daughter of Willie and Dean (Blanton) Bienski. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. Mama Jo was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was very active in the church and school. Alongside her husband, they owned and operated Mansel’s Wheel Alignment where she was the bookkeeper.
Mama Jo enjoyed fishing, Aggie sports, the Houston Astros, playing slot machines and eating Blue Bell Ice Cream. Most of all, she enjoyed the love and company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite moments were definitely rocking babies.
Frances is preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Dylan Corbin.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Bobby C. Mansel; daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda Mansel and David VanBlaricom, Janet and Jerry Blanchard, Staci and Chris Corbin; son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Kim Mansel; brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Mona Bienski; sister, Carol Towns; grandchildren, Clint, Amy, Jera, Jordan, Jacob, Tommy, Madyson, Morgan, Kelsey and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Paul, Emma and two on the way; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 18 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Reverend Monsignor John McCaffrey officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in the Msgr. Gleissner Mausoleum.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Compassionate Care Hospice and her personal caregiver, Marilyn Francis, for allowing her to live life to the fullest in her last months.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School or Compassionate Care Hospice.
