Frances Atkins ""Fran Gidley

Frances Atkins Gidley was born on November 24, 1931, in Baytown, TX, and passed away peacefully on March 26, 2018. Fran was predeceased by her parents, George and Frances Atkins; brother, George Anselm Atkins; son-in-law, Bill Goodale; and beloved husband of 57 years, William “Bill” Gidley. She is survived by her children, George A. Gidley and Cyndi Woods Gidley, of Baytown; Thomas K. Gidley, of New Braunfels; Alice L. Gidley, of Dale; and Sarah Gidley Whatley, of Austin; brothers, Robert D. Atkins, of Bryan; and Joe Atkins, of Baytown; and sister-in-law, Margaret Kavanaugh, of Decatur, GA. She is also survived by grandchildren, Christopher R. Whatley, of Katy; Georgeann Gidley Ward and David Ward, of Baytown; great-grandsons, Matthew and Brian Ward; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fran lived a full and blessed life. After graduating as valedictorian of Robert E. Lee High School in 1949, she studied at the University of Texas at Austin, where she met her husband, Bill. After graduating with an English degree in 1953, she married Bill, and they soon moved to Baytown to begin their family together. Fran and Bill were avid travelers, beginning with their honeymoon in Acapulco, and continuing through their thirteen trips oversees, primarily to their favorite locations in the British Isles but also on a trip to Italy. Fran was active in her community, serving in various civic and social organizations throughout the years, such as the Service League of Baytown. She was a devoted genealogist and a published scholar on Shakespearean authorship, and she worked as a substitute teacher in Goose Creek CISD for many years. Fran had a positive attitude and a great sense of humor; she loved to laugh, to study and learn, and to play bridge with friends. Most importantly, she loved her church, Trinity Episcopal Church, where she was an active member since 1958.

A memorial service and celebration of Fran’s life will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5010 N. Main St., Baytown, TX 77521, with Rev. Meredith Crigler officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Fran’s memory be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church Building Fund or to a charity of choice.

The family is thankful for Dr. James Bernick’s wonderful and compassionate care and to the staff at Swan Manor and Faith Community Hospice.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.