Frances Turner Henry

Born on April 30, 1937, in Hodge, Louisiana, Frances was the daughter of Arnold A. Turner and Mary Elizabeth Eubanks Turner. From an early age, she distinguished herself as an exceptional student, graduating with honors from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1955.

Following high school, Frances attended Louisiana Tech University, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1957 and her Master's Degree in Education in 1958. Her lifelong devotion to education and public service would eventually lead to her being recognized as the Louisiana Tech University College of Education Alumna of the Year in 2019, one of the university's highest honors.

In the spring of 1958, Frances married her high school sweetheart, E.L. "Bubba" Henry. The newlyweds moved to Baton Rouge after Bubba's acceptance to LSU Law School. Frances supported their young family by teaching school while Bubba pursued his legal education. Upon his graduation, they returned to Jonesboro, where Bubba established his law practice and Frances continued her beloved work as an educator.

Throughout their marriage, Frances was Bubba's greatest champion. When he decided to run for the Louisiana Legislature in 1968, she stood steadfastly by his side throughout his distinguished political career. During his twelve years of legislative service, Frances balanced her responsibilities as a teacher and mother, often driving herself and their children to Baton Rouge on weekends when Bubba was unable to return home. She also made Baton Rouge a second home for the family during the legislative summers. In 1980, the family permanently relocated to Baton Rouge when Bubba was appointed Commissioner of Administration under Governor David Treen.

After more than twenty-two years as an educator, Frances embarked on an entirely new professional journey. She became one of the first successful full-time female residential general contractors in the Baton Rouge area, building a respected career that spanned three decades and breaking barriers for women in the construction industry.

Frances' impact on Louisiana extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. A passionate advocate for education and public service, she served for two decades on the Louisiana Board of Regents, where she played an influential role in shaping higher education policy, teacher quality initiatives, and systemic high school reform throughout the state. Her expertise and dedication to education also led to seven years of service on President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind National Commission.

For more than twenty years, Frances served as a member of the Board of Directors of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, including as chair of the board. Through this work, she helped advance the Foundation's mission of improving the health and well-being of Louisianians, especially children and families.

Above all, Frances was devoted to her family. She embodied grace, intelligence, perseverance, and generosity, leaving a legacy of service and love that touched countless lives.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, E.L. "Bubba" Henry, and her eldest son, Preston Henry.

She is survived by her son, Patrick E. Henry and daughter-in-law, Lydia L. Henry; her daughter, Lori H. Taylor and son-in-law, Brunson Taylor; and her cherished grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Gordon, Mona Taylor, Jacob McKenzie Henry, John Paul Shelton, James David Shelton, and Eva Shaw, along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.

A visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

A celebration of Frances' life will be held at Broadmoor Baptist Church, 9755 Goodwood Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.