Mary Anna Franke

Mary Anna Franke, 93, of College Station, TX, peacefully passed away on June 26, 2018. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, June 30, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 1, at First Christian Church in Bryan. Interment will follow at College Station City Cemetery.

She was born on January 16, 1925, in Rockwall County to Herman T. Banks and Alta Banks. After graduating as valedictorian of Royse City High School, Mary Anna received her B.S. degree in Foods and Nutrition at Texas State College for Women in Denton, Texas (i.e., Texas Woman’s University). While working in San Marcos, she met her husband, Harold, on a blind date. They married in 1947 and moved to College Station in 1953 with their two children.

“Annie,” as she was lovingly called by those closest to her, spent countless hours caring for and nurturing her family and anyone in need. Her love for the kitchen and cooking for others was shown not only in her personal life, but through her professional life as well. In 1956, she began working for the Bryan Independent School District first as a cafeteria manager then as an assistant food service coordinator for 5 years. She became the food service coordinator and served a total of 30 years for the district.

After retiring, Annie devoted her time and care to her First Christian Church of Bryan family, where she enjoyed preparing meals and baking bread for others. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling the world with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Alta Banks, and husband, Harold Franke.

She is survived by her son, Bob Franke and Debbie Halfmann; daughter, Luann Henderson and son-in-law Richard Henderson; sister, Joy Noel and husband Kenneth Noel; grandson, Jake Franke and wife Jaimie Franke; granddaughter, Victoria Henderson, and great-granddaughter Collins Franke.

Annie was a true symbol of God’s Kingdom through her unmatched sincerity and unconditional love for everyone she encountered. Her kindness, hard work, and positive spirit were at levels that were extremely contagious, and there’s no doubt she would want us to remember the wonderful memories we shared with her. From her cheerful smile to those second-to-none meals she prepared, everyone knew how much she loved her family and those who crossed her path.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Christian Church, 900 S. Ennis, Bryan, Texas 77803, and Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 W. 26th St., Bryan, Texas 77803.