Francine went to her heavenly home on September 4, 2025. She was with her husband and children when she passed.
She was born January 23, 1932 to Arthur and Loretta (Mabry) French in DeQueen, AR. She lived in De Queen, AR until her older brother Keith came to OU and the whole family moved to Norman in 1948. Francine graduated from Norman High School in 1950. God had a plan because her family moved less than a half a block away from the future love of her life Bobby (Pete) Barnard.
Bobby and Francine were married on Christmas Eve 1950. After Bobby served in the Korean war they built their home and were blessed with 3 children Bruce, Shanda, and Chad.
Francine‘s 47 working years were spent selling shoes for Oliver’s with Don Elmore and then with Steve Woodin at Brown’s Shoe Fit. Customers would come in and ask for Francine personally. She became known as the “Shoe Lady”. Her fondest working memories were going to shoe market in Dallas and Las Vegas to find the newest fashions and shoes. In her long career, she ended up fitting generations of families in shoes.
She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Norman, where she served on numerous committees throughout the years. She also helped fit School Bell children with shoes for the school year.
Francine was an avid OU sports fan. Her favorite times were going to the OU/Texas football game in Dallas. She wasn’t just partial to football, but most OU sports, both men’s and women’s. She also loved watching her grandchildren play sports and activities. You could hear her cheering and bragging in the stands that that was her grandchild out there.
Francine never met a stranger. She was a caregiver/friend to many people throughout her years. She took them under her wing, and helped them through health issues, personal things, and checked on them daily.
Francine and Bobby loved to travel! She’s been all over the US, as well as on 5 cruises. She took a three week RV tour with cousins. She and Bobby made sure her children got to see the wonders of our beautiful country while growing up.
Francine is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Loretta, and brother Curtis French and numerous family members.
She is survived by her husband Bobby of 75 years, her son Bruce and wife Kane of Orlando, FL. Daughter Shanda and husband Jeff Scott of Norman, OK. Son Chad and wife Jennifer of Verdigris, OK. Brother Keith French of Norman, OK.
Grandchildren Alex, Andy, and Tallulah Barnard, Chase and wife Allie, and Connor Scott, and Kaylie Barnard, and Grace and husband Cody Bressie. 3 Great Grandchildren Cope, Sutton, and Stevie Kate Scott.
Services will be held on Monday, September 8th at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church 211 W Comanche, Norman OK. Graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial following the service at 2301 E. Indian Hills Rd. Norman, OK
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 7th from 5:30-7:30 at Primrose Funeral Home 1109 N. Porter Ave. Norman, OK
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Francine’s name to the First Baptist Church of Norman.
