Frances Howsley

Frances Gay Howsley, “Maw Maw”, 76, passed in peace on Monday, January 10, 2011 from complications of the heart.

She was born in San Saba, Texas on March 8, 1934 to Melvin Lee and Eva Hunt.

Gay overcame many adversities in her life which only served to make her a very strong and loving person. She owned and operated Opal’s Fashion and Opal’s Two for many years until finally retiring. She never met a stranger—as everyone became her friend. Her laughter and zest for life was very contagious.

Gay married the love of her life, George Alan Howsley on December 20, 1952 in Abilene, Texas. They had 3 children while living in Abilene. They moved to Waco in 1969 which became their home. She was an active member of Hewitt Church of Christ. She loved to go out to eat with her friends. She loved to travel even if it was just a short distance down the road, as long as she was with her family or friends. Life was always an adventure with Gay.

Her grandchildren were her passion for life. You could always find her at one of their events, whether it was singing, baseball, football, or soccer games—where she would tell the umpire or referee, “They really didn’t make the right call!”

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and her husband, George of 39 years.

She is survived by her son, Alan and wife Tommie of Houston, daughter, Lisa Rettew and husband, Bob of Weatherford and daughter, Valeria Mills, and former son-in-law, Doug Mills of Waco, 4 grandchildren, C.D. Mills, Meshia Neely and husband Derek, Colt Mills and Taylor Wright, 2 great grandchildren, Tadum Mills and Parker Neely, 6 nephews, 1 niece, plus a host of extremely close friends that were “family”. She will be missed but never forgotten!

Donations can be made to Hewitt Church of Christ Benevolent Fund.

Funeral Service

1PM ,Saturday, January 15, 2011
Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel
8220 Woodway Drive Waco, TX 76712

Visitation

6 - 8PM ,Friday, January 14, 2011
Grace Gardens Funeral Home and Crematorium
8220 Woodway Drive Waco, TX 76712

Visitation

6 - 8PM ,Friday, January 14, 2011
Grace Gardens Funeral Home and Crematorium
8220 Woodway Drive Waco, TX 76712