Dr. Frances Catherine Cardwell was born December 29, 1939 in Henderson, Texas passed away Thursday, July 18, 2013 in Houston, Texas. She was an independent woman who was extremely giving and always ready for an adventure up until her last days. Fran was the oldest of 6 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Preston Barrett Jimerson and Archie Mae Cook Jimerson, brother Billy Jimerson and nephew Chad Agnor all of Marshall, Texas. She is survived by her husband, Rick Benavides of Houston;
Sisters, Kim Dupree of Shreveport, Louisiana and Sister and brother-in-law Wanda and W.R. (Red) Jackson, brothers Ricky Jimerson and Gary Jimerson all of Marshall Texas. Niece Toni Jimerson and Nephew Bunker and Allison Jimerson, one great niece Jane Jimerson all of Marshall, Texas. step daughters and son in laws, Nicole and Will Schorp of Houston, Texas, Beverly and Jim Straub of New Braunfels, Texas, step son and daughter in law, Trey and Susie Cardwell of Lufkin, Texas. Step grandchildren, Courtney Cardwell of Lufkin, Texas, Brad Straub of Dallas, Texas and Rebecca and Clint Kainer of Houston, Texas. One step great grand child, Pierce Kainer of Houston, Texas. Her extended family and many friends will miss her dearly.
Fran was a driven, talented woman who accomplished anything she set her mind and goals on.
She loved teaching and learning. She graduated from Marshall High School in Marshall, Texas and moved on to earn her;
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, East Texas Baptist University, Marshall, Texas
Cheerleader and Basketball player ETBU
Master of Administrative Education, University of Houston
Doctorate of Educational Administrative Leadership, Nova Southwestern University Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Administrator in North Forest ISD (first female)
Director of Personnel Spring Branch ISD
Deputy Superintendent Katy ISD
Superintendent Lufkin ISD (first female)
Graduate School Adjunct Professor, University of St. Thomas
Graduate School Adjunct Professor, Stephen F. Austin University
Texas A&M University
Rice University
St. Thomas University
University of Montana
University of Colorado
Certifications Superintendent, 1972
Professional Mid-Management Administrator, 1972
Professional Elementary Principal, 1968
Professional Supervisor, 1968
Professional Elementary, 1962
Advisory Board of Administrative Education at St. Thomas University
Advisory Board of Angelina County Charity Clinic
Advisory Board of Women’s Health Care
Board of Directors of Center for Professional Development and Technology at Stephen F. Austin State University
Board of Directors for Memorial Hospital Long Term Care
Board of Directors for Museum of East Texas
Board of Directors of Harris County Department of Education Foundation
Board of Directors of Houston Branch of Young Audiences
State Board of Directors of Leadership Texas
Honors;
Angelina County Superintendent Achievement Award
Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society, Outstanding Member
Dr. Fran Sicola Cardwell Day in Lufkin
Katy Independent School District Boss of the Year Award
Outstanding Alumni, East Texas Baptist University
Personalities of the South
Phi Delta Kappa Honor Member Achievement Award
PTA Honorary Life Member
Rotary’s Highest Award of Recognition: Paul Harris Fellow 1992, Lufkin Rotary Club
Superintendent’s Appreciation & Achievement Award from Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association
Texas Association of Supervision & Curriculum Contribution Award Nominee, District IV
Who’s Who Among Women Leaders, Internationally
Community Advisory Board of Administrative Education at St. Thomas University
Advisory Board of Angelina County Charity Clinic
Advisory Board of Women’s Health Care
Board of Directors of Center for Professional Development and Technology at Stephen F. Austin State University
Board of Directors for Memorial Hospital Long Term Care
Board of Directors for Museum of East Texas
Board of Directors of Harris County Department of Education Foundation
Board of Directors of Houston Branch of Young Audiences
State Board of Directors of Leadership Texas
She is a member of Palmer Memorial Episcopalian Church and many charitable organizations.
The Museum of East Texas
Rotary Club International
The Boys and Girls Club
Leadership Texas, 1996 State Director
American Association of School Administrators
Asian Society Organization
Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development
Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society
Life Member of Parent Teacher Association
National Association for Curriculum Development
Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society
Texas Association of School Administrators
Texas Council of Women School Administrators
Texas elementary Principals and Superiors Association
University of Houston Alumni Association, Life Member
University of Houston College of Education Alumni Board
University of Houston Moore's School of Music Moores Society Advisory Board
Blaffer Art Museum, University of Houston - Member of the Advisory Board and Education Committee
World Affairs Society
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art committee
She had a special focus on mentoring and placement of women in leadership roles.
Fran was a world traveler who always sought incredible experiences in places such as
India, Africa, South America, Israel, Egypt, Nepal, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Germany, Russia, Ireland, Switzerland, Budapest, Prague, Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, Belize, Peru, Turkey, Tahiti and the list goes on.
Fran touched the lives of everyone she met. She always had a smile and a kind word with a very approachable personality. Her great wit and sense of humor kept you laughing even in difficult situations. Fran always stayed positive no matter what she was facing.
The family would like to give a special thank you and appreciation to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Methodist hospital for the great care Fran recieved in her last days.
Also to her medical team, Dr. H. Alejandro Preti, Dr. Norman L. Berkman and
Dr. Ray A. Verm for not only being great physicians who cared for Fran but also for the friendship and respect she always recieved from them.
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