Mary Francis Lacina

July 21, 1967 – September 27, 2018

Every now and then, or perhaps only once in a lifetime, an unforgettable person, who is truly a phenomenally dynamic individual, enters one’s earthly journey. Without a shadow of a doubt, one quickly recognizes that love, gentleness, kindness, motivation and inspiration naturally ooze from every ounce of this unique person’s human existence.

That is exactly how Fran Wilson Lacina greeted each one of us…with her bigger than life personality and a smile that radiantly warmed you all the way to the bottom of your heart. At that very moment in time when you first met Fran, you just knew that your life would never be the same again. She lovingly looked deep into your eyes and listened intently to every single word that you spoke…genuinely smiling because you were so important to her. Fran was the precious, inspirational thread that gave such richness to the fabric of our lives. What an undeniable and treasured blessing she was…to both the young and old alike in her journey!

Surrounded by her loving family on the morning of Thursday, September 27th, 2018, Fran Wilson Lacina embarked on a new adventure that would hurl her into an unknown dimension that none of us have ever seen. Father God dispatched His heavenly angels to unzip sweet Fran’s earthly body suit and escort her to her eternal home where she would join all the saints who have gone before. Instantaneously upon hearing Him call her name, she bravely and courageously stepped into the very presence of her Lord, and He whispered gently in her ear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant! Well done!”

God’s promises are true through all the ages. One in particular states, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” As Fran took her last breath, it was clearly evident that her faith had courageously conquered all fear! One thing is certain. She has seen the face of her sweet Jesus, and now everything is crystal-clear! She is singing and dancing and praising her Lord while all of the angels sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!”

Mary Francis Wilson was born on July 21, 1967, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Her father, Lawrence David Wilson Sr., and her mother, Christine Mandros Wilson, were ecstatic from the moment that she had entered their lives. The family moved to Lake Jackson, Texas where Fran began her academic career at Elisabet Ney Elementary. She also attended Lake Jackson Intermediate and Brazoswood High School. While attending B’Wood, she became an integral part of the Buccaneer Belles. According to her father, that is when Fran’s gregarious and vivacious personality developed as she performed at football games and other venues. Following high school, she attended college at Sam Houston State University, and immediately following graduation she became a teacher in the Woodlands.

For twenty-one years Brazosport Independent School District was Fran’s passion and professional home. Her very first teaching assignment in the district was at Jane Long Elementary in Freeport, and she ultimately landed a perfect position at A. P. Beutel Elementary in Lake Jackson. The moment that she stepped into the teaching arena, she wholeheartedly became the guardian of “the littles” at each of the campuses where she taught. But to be quite honest, her students would always belong to her. “Once a little, always a little!” Each child, their siblings and their families became a part of Fran’s extended family, and she treasured every single one of them as if they were her own. The litmus test of a great teacher is that parents and guardians request you for “their littles”. Without a doubt, Fran was a teacher extraordinaire!

Fran Wilson Lacina was an exceptional mother who loved her family well and believed in establishing traditions and celebrations that will never be forgotten…cooking Greek food every Christmas, baking and decorating Christmas cookies, wearing “family” PJs at Christmastime, dying Easter eggs even after the kids were all grown, celebrating the Fourth of July with fun, food, fireworks and laughter, and swimming in the pool while chatting with those she loved. She thoroughly enjoyed playing games, cards, dominoes and more with her friends and family. Fran was the life of the party!

Fran married Charles Wayne Lacina on November 19th, 2017, at the Varner Hogg Plantation in West Columbia, and she coordinated every memorable moment of the wedding ceremony and reception. The intimate wedding was a gorgeous family gathering where she never looked more radiantly gorgeous as a bride. She and her husband lived in Angleton until the time of her passing.

Fran is preceded in death by her mother, Christine Mandros Wilson, as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents. She is survived by her husband “Chuck” as well as her two children ~ her pride and joy ~ son Adam Skeete of Houston and daughter Ashley Skeete of Lake Jackson. She is also survived by her father, Larry Wilson of Lake Jackson; her brother Larry (better known as “Bub”) and wife Stacy of Austin; two nieces Baylee Lanier and Kelby Lanier (fiancé Andre Martinez) of Lake Jackson; her step-children ~ Kacie Lacina (Travis Neel) of Old Ocean and Justin Lacina of Angleton; grandchildren Payton Lacina of Danbury and Macie Lacina of Old Ocean. In addition, Fran is survived by her brother Johann Achim Beissel and friend Iris who live in Germany as well numerous extended family, friends and former students.

Each of us prayerfully watched sweet Fran fight the good fight of faith against a vicious and horrific disease called pancreatic cancer, but she never lost her faith that God was going to give her a miracle. She ministered to other cancer patients who were receiving their chemo treatments, and she pushed through even the hardest of days with grace, beauty and confidence that all was well with her soul. Her faith conquered fear! And, even though Fran did not receive a miraculous healing here on earth, she received the greatest gift of all…spending all eternity with Father God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The family has planned a memorial service for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018, at Brazos Pointe Fellowship, 679 Highway 332 W, Lake Jackson, Texas. Randy Dane, Equipping Pastor at Brazos Pointe Fellowship, will conduct the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established – Fran Skeete Lacina “Littles” Scholarship Fund, 138 Nasturtium Street, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 or Fran Skeete Lacina “Littles” Scholarship Fund at Texas Gulf Bank.