Take a moment to celebrate the life of Frankie Lea Wilson Westbrook who passed away 08/13/2022 at the age of 92. Born in Shawnee, OK, July 11, 1930, to Frank and Bertha Wilson, Frankie excelled academically while trying desperately to keep up with her two older brothers who taught her to bowl, fish, and even shoot a shotgun. During the war years, Frankie edited ad copy at the Shawnee News-Star and participated in the Civil Air Patrol – taking flying lessons in a single engine, 2-place plane.
Frankie met Max R. Westbrook, Sr. while attending undergraduate school at the University of Oklahoma. This meeting was destined to occur due to the anal-retentive nature of a seasoned English professor who required his young adult students to sit alphabetically.
Frankie went on to finish her master’s degree while working very hard to support Max as he completed his PhD. Frankie and Max eventually settled in Austin, TX where they both enjoyed long careers at the University of Texas while raising three children.
Frankie began her career at U.T. in the correspondence department and eventually moved to her dream job as an acquiring editor for the U.T. Press. Her skills were put to good use, and the authors she cultivated helped the press gain national notoriety.
Frankie had a penchant for grammar, proper diction, and a general fascination with history. She was also a gracious hostess who enjoyed well-planned dinner parties with an eclectic mix of friends. The “Farkles” (you know who you are) were so special to Frankie. The intensity of these deep friendships was unapparelled, and the experiences she enjoyed with each of you shaped her soul and focused her purpose.
Frankie is predeceased by her parents, her brothers B.F. and Riley, her sister Claudia, and her husband of 49-years Max, Sr. She is survived by children Lynn, Brett, and Max, Jr., her grandchildren Wilson, Colin, Meredith, Madeleine, and Ella, and many of the Farkles.
In lieu of flowers, please buy a book that some politician has determined should be banned from our libraries and ensure that the next generation receives it as a gift. This would make Mom happy.
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