Frances was born on March 2, 1941, in Houston, Texas to Harry Raymond Dunlap Sr. and Almeda May Dunlap. She passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2025, at her home.
She grew up in Houston and was a graduate of Aldine High School in 1959. Upon graduation from High school, she attended Sam Houston State Teachers College. There she met her future husband Clarence Harold Matchett, and they married on August 13th, 1960. After graduating in 1963, she and Clarence moved to Pearland, Texas and she joined the faculty of Pearland High School as the school librarian. This was a job she held until her retirement in 1982. Frances reentered the workforce, working for Williams Communications as an executive assistant. She and Clarence later worked together for Uniweld Products. They fully retired in 2016.
Known to her friends as Fran, she was an avid flower gardener and took pride in her Daylilies. She was an active member of the Cypress Creek Daylily Club. She attended and hosted a number of garden shows. She also worked as a volunteer at Mercer Arboretum, lending them her skills.
As a passionate genealogist, she was a member of both the Daughters of the American Revolution – Spring Creek Chapter and the Mayflower Society. She traced her heritage back to the Mayflower landing in 1620, finding several patriots/ancestors for both societies.
Frances is preceded in death by her parents Harry Dunlap, Sr. and Almeda Dunlap. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Clarence H. Matchett, Son Bruce Matchett, his wife Jimmie. Granddaughters, Ashley and Alyssa. She is also survived by her brothers Jim Dunlap and wife Carol, Harry Dunlap, and wife Sherry. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews and her circle of friends.
