Mary Frances Atkinson

Funeral services for Mary Frances Jones Atkinson will be Monday, January 15, 2018 at First Christian Church of Lufkin. Family and friends visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church, followed by an 11:00 a.m. service conducted by Minister Kathy Dunn of Tyler.

A 71 year resident of Lufkin, Mrs. Atkinson passed away Friday afternoon in Granbury, Texas. Joe F. Atkinson and Frances Atkinson were co-founders of Atkinson Candy Company where she served as secretary of the board for many years.

She married Joe F. “Hody” Atkinson, the original Candy Man, on November 20, 1948. They enjoyed many years boating, playing tennis, golf and bowling leagues. Fran also was a bowling instructor. They owned the first houseboat on Lake Sam Rayburn.

She was born September 9, 1928 in Lamar County near Paris, Texas, the first child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Jones, oldest grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Jones and Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Shahan. Her great-great-grandparents came to the Republic of Texas in 1836. She was a graduate of Paris High School and the Western Union School in Springfield, MO. She was an accomplished musician and played both the clarinet and organ.

She was baptized into Christ in Stillwater, OK and a life time member of First Christian Church. She was a “quiet” philanthropist known for donating to many charities and helping anyone in need.

Survivors include her adored girls, daughter, Marijo Meredith and husband, Rick of Granbury; granddaughters, Amanda Johnson and husband, Mark of Dennis; Joetta Bell and husband, Don of Weatherford; great-grandchildren, Macie Johnson, Trinity Bell and Jayden Bell; sister, Ada Ann Sanderford and husband, Robert of Pollok; and niece, Amy Dickson of Pollok; special friends, Vince Treadwell, Robert Warren, Norma and Joe Pearson, Elizabeth and Sidney Spain, Dr. and Mrs. Jimmy Tinkle, Mary Samford, Alta Murray, Perry Maxon and Louise Blake.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son, Carroll Franklin Atkinson; parents-in-law, Mabel and B. E. Atkinson; two brothers, Frank L. Jones and Terry Jones; and a sister, Sandra Johnston.

Pallbearers will be Fran’s nephews, David Johnston, Chris Johnston, Todd Sanderford, Aiden Dickson, Russell Dickson and Robert Warren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Juvenile Diabetes Association, Texas Affiliate, Inc., 8140 North Mopac, Building 1, Suite 130, Austin, TX 78759.

A special thank you goes to Dr. Juan Hernandez and his staff.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.