Nettie Diaz Franks

Nettie lived her journey always with the determination to do what was needed for her family. That sense of duty began at the age of 6 years old with her Mama in the cotton fields along the Brazos River, picking and filling her bag of cotton to contribute to income. She attended elementary and middle school in Mumford, Texas and was a country girl at heart. Life changed for Nettie when as a young teenager, she met a handsome young man named Joe (Jose) Diaz Jr. in Bryan. The Couple became a force, united in love & with no doubt, married quickly. Nettie loved her husband of 38 years until “death did them part’ in 1980. During their life together they cherished the birth of three daughters.

Nettie was so loving, nurturing, and became a caregiver “nanny” to many babies and children while helping out in private family household settings. She was employed by Perry Bros. Five & Ten, in Downtown Bryan and a seasonal worker at Martin’s Bakery, where she came home with delicious goodies for her family during the holidays. Nettie was so proud to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 17 years, where she made so many friends. Her purpose was always to love Christ, the Virgin Mary, and be a loving wife

and mother and teach her daughters to put all their faith in God because then you would always find peace and a way forward.

Nettie was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Hospital Medallion Society, a decades long member of Lifetime Fellowship organization of Christ and dedicated donor to “the little babies and children” suffering of cancer at St. Jude’s Children Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Nettie’s beloved family who entered the Kingdom of God before her

included her first born infant daughter Mary Ann Diaz, her mother, Sue Addie Fields Coleman, her father Joe Cobb Coleman, her sisters Ruby Bischoff and Doris Luce and brothers Floyd Coleman and Melvin Colman. The love and care amongst these siblings was quite evident, and Nettie relished being the “Baby Sister' of them all.

She greatly missed her in-laws and very dear friends who passed before her. Nettie was preceded in death by her Husbands Joe (Jose) Diaz Jr. and later, Cesar Mantilla, and Jimmie Franks. Nettie always found comfort in her knowledge that she would reunite with them when she went Home.

Nettie will live on daily in the hearts & memories carried by her remaining family: Her Daughters: Joanne (Diaz) Orozco and Joseph Orozco; Deborah Diaz-Rodriguez and Tomas R. Rodriguez. Her five Grandchildren: Joseph Matthew Orozco (Jessica Elaine), Jessica Orozco Lawrence (Brent), Jonathan Michael Orozco (Susan), Isabella Sara Rodriguez (Juan Carlos Alsina) and Julian Tomas Rodriguez. Her eight Great Grandchildren Jordan Orozco, Josiah Orozco, Joshua Lawrence, Emily Grace Lawrence, Michael Lawrence, Jack Orozco, Leo Orozco, and Mae Orozco.

Nettie’s passion was being in the presence of her family but found great enjoyment & pure fun in Dances , Rodeo dress contests, Country music including Dolly Pardon, Loretta Lynn, and always her Elvis Presley. She loved her travel adventures with her family/grandchildren.

The Family would like to thank all of the many Visiting Angels, especially LaRue, the staff at both Watercrest in Bryan, and Isle at Watercrest, and Alumine Hospice, Victoria, Jeanette, Citlali, Mackenzie, Brenda, Linda, And Gloria. Thanks to Alumine hospice especially.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, July 23rd, at 10:30am, at Saint Joseph's Catholic church (507 E 26th st, Bryan Tx), Funeral Mass will begin immediately after the rosary at 11am. For Guests, a reception at the Parish activity center will be available immediately after the funeral Mass

While Flowers were so precious to Nettie, She would also be thankful for donations made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, for children with Cancer. Stjude.org, check the box "dedicate gift in honor or memory" and enter Nettie Diaz. There is also an option to donate by mail, with a printable form available on the website.