Frances Jones McCleskey

The daughter of Joseph and Rose Enas Jones, she was born in Forney, Texas on June 4, 1915. She dearly loved her hometown and delighted in telling stories of her happy times there. In addition to her husband, Frances was preceded in death by her sister, Elisabeth Downer and her brother, Rev. Joseph Jones.

Frances attended Southern Methodist University, where she met her beloved Wayne on her first Sunday there. She graduated in 1937 with a double major in English and Public Speaking. She taught English for 3 years in Elysian Fields, Texas. Frances and Wayne married Feb. 7, 1940 and began a long and happy life together.

Frances graciously filled the role of preacher's wife, sharing her beautiful singing voice through solos and choirs and teaching children's Sunday School. Together they served churches in Sugarland, Navasota, Gilmer, Baytown, Houston and Tyler. Her most important role was wife and mother to her family. Frances and Wayne enjoyed 58 years of marriage and raised two children, Wayne Jr. and Betty. She was a wonderful mother who provided gentle support and guidance to her children, sharing her love for music with both.

In later years, Frances enjoyed playing the piano, singing and writing poetry. She loved watching and feeding the birds and enjoyed frequent visits from neighborhood children who called her “Miss Frances”. It was due to her loving neighbors that she was able to remain in her home for so long.

Frances is survived by her son, Wayne McCleskey of Seattle, her daughter and husband, Betty and Lloyd Walker of Houston, grandson and wife, Kevin and Claudia McCleskey of Seattle, granddaughter, Erin Walker of Austin and great-grandson, John Patrick McCleskey of Seattle. She was very loved by many nieces and nephews.

Those she leaves behind will most remember her for her love of God and family. She loved the Methodist Church, had a strong Christian faith and treated family and friends with compassion and love. She will be greatly missed.

Services for Mrs. McClesky will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Marvin United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Allison Thompson officiating and Rev. Rick Tate co-officiating. Burial is in Cathedral in the Pines. Viewing will be from Friday at 9:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at Lloyd James Funeral Home.