Vivian Winona Francis Franks

Vivian Winona Franks
Vivian Winona Franks

Vivian Winona Francis Franks, age 93, passed away at Country View Living in Dimmitt, Texas on Monday, June 22.   Winona was born in Silverton, Texas on February 8, 1927 to John Lee and Fannie Steele Francis.  She attended Silverton High School and graduated at 16.   She then attended West Texas College where she met the love of her life, Cecil Franks, when he decided to trip her as she walked across campus to get her attention.  He got it!

Two months later, Winona graduated from college on May 30.   Her father had made her promise that she would graduate from college before she married.   So, on May 31, 1946, she and Cecil were wed at her parent’s house on the family farm and homestead near Silverton.

Winona and Cecil first lived in Amarillo while he completed his degree and delivered newspapers and she taught Accounting classes at WT.   They then spent a few years in Albuquerque, New Mexico before settling in Amarillo in the early 1950s in the house where they would spend the rest of their 63-year marriage.  They had three daughters, Cenci, Celia, and Felice.   Winona worked as an office manager for Hedgecoke Leasing for many years until her retirement in the late 80s.   She was a breast cancer survivor and counseled with other survivors in the late 80s as they faced their journey.  She had been a member of Central Church of Christ since the mid-1960s and still enjoyed attending services until this spring.

Winona had a green thumb, and the yard and house always looked beautiful.  She was an avid crafter and seamstress.  She specialized in needlepoint, hand embroidery, and most of all quilting.  Her quilts won several ribbons and were frequent gifts to loved ones and friends.  Her grandchildren looked forward to getting a beloved quilt from their grandmother for Christmas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil, her parents, and brother, Garland.   She is survived by her daughters: Cenci (Gary R) Hardee, Celia and Felice; three grandchildren: Ryan (Lori) Hardee, Michelle Hardee, and Logan (Kevin) Adams, and four great grandchildren:  Paige, Gavin, Sydney and Ella; sister, Wilma Lee Gill and brother, Joe Dale Francis plus many nieces, nephews, lifelong friends and relatives.

Graveside services for immediate family will be held on Wednesday, July 1.   A memorial celebration of life service will be held later in the fall when we can gather together safely.  Memorial donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or High Plains Children’s Home in Amarillo.

10 Replies to “Vivian Winona Francis Franks”

  1. Cenci, Celia, and Felice, I just had my Christmas card returned for the second time and feared the worst. Your Mom was a wonderful lady and a precious friend of my parents. Ironically, I still have saved on my phone the message she left on my VM after last Christmas. It is truly a comforting voice from my past. I hope you all are doing well and are aided by the memory of your wonderful parents. All the best!

  2. Cenci…..I am so sorry for your loss…..your Mom was a very special lady…..I remember the beautiful curtains she made for Dr Hardee’s clinic when he opened in Dimmitt! Your parents were so sweet when they came to the clinic and I remember the times visiting their home in Amarillo……those gardens of flowers were beautiful. Thoughts and prayers for all of your family!

  3. Cenci, Celia and Felice, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Your mother was so special – sweet, kind, funny and so gifted and talented. The last few years I really enjoyed visiting with her when I would go to my support group meetings in Amarillo. She and your dad were always some of my favorite relatives. Please let me know if I can do anything to help you. Mother was so saddened to hear of her loss as well and deeply saddened that she could not be there for you all. Love you!

  4. Celia – My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family for your loss. Hoping these words will help you find comfort during this time of sorrow.

  5. I was so honored to have known Winona through Mary Ellen. She was such a delightful and beautiful lady inside and out.
    My Mother was at the Cottages when your father was there. When my Mother passed, Winona made a point to come see me in person, to console me. I shall never forget her kindness. May God give you the peace I know she will want each of you to have.

  6. Sorry for your loss, Celia — our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God place the departed soul in eternal peace!

  7. Blessed Sister-in-Law, friend and confidant and three beautiful daughters who still call me Aunt Billye. Our love of the Lord, good books, good movies and Crispy Rellenos bound us together in love. Favorite memory–she never ended a visit or conversation without saying “I Love You”.

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