Frances Burks

FRANCES J. BURKS
November 7, 1932 – April 16, 2018
The celebration of life for Frances Jo Burks, 85, will be held on Thursday, April 19, at the Wiley Funeral Home Chapel, Granbury at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 18, at Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Frances Jo Turner was born November 7, 1932 to Frank M. Turner and Jessie B. Cox Turner in Idalou, Texas. Frances spent her childhood years in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. When Frances was thirteen years old, her mother passed away. Shortly after her passing, Frank married Ruth Ripley Turner. After graduation from Lubbock High School, Frances married the love of her life, Burton S. Burks, Jr., on June 30, 1951 in Lubbock, Texas. They were blessed with two children and over 65 years of marriage before Burton’s passing February 2, 2017. Frances and Burton lived in Wichita Falls while Burton was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base. A son, James Burton Burks, was born in 1952 in Wichita Falls. Upon Burton’s honorable discharge, Burton and Frances along with their young son, Jim, moved to Granbury in 1955. Burton began farming and ranching in Hood County. In 1956, their daughter, Brenda Kay Burks, was born. Burton and Frances were longtime members of the Granbury First United Methodist Church; they joined GFUMC in 1957. Frances was a member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter #530 for fifty-six plus years. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and helped to organize the Nan Wright Circle in 1957 and the Lamplighters in 1986.
Frances was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed caring for her family as well as others. She was involved in numerous civic, school and church activities. She was involved in PTA and Band Boosters as well as 4-H and Bluebird leader during her children’s school years. After raising her children, Frances worked outside the home. Frances was the first director of Shanley House from 1977-1984; she was instrumental in getting funding for transportation and meals for the senior citizens of Hood County. She worked and volunteered a number of years at Granbury FUMC as secretarial assistant and preparing Wednesday meals.
Burton and Frances donated the land for the Jim Burks’ Firefighters Memorial Park to honor their son, Jim, as well as all firefighters.
Frances is survived by her daughter, Brenda Burks of Stephenville; her grandchildren, Brody Burks and wife, Marie of Waco, Jocelyn Etters and husband, Matt of Stephenville, Matt Rhoades of Bluff Dale, and Emily Graham and husband, Tony of Granbury; her great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Judson Etters of Stephenville and James and Margaret Burks of Waco, her sister-in-law, Evelyn Sue Smith of Lubbock and her children, Kevin Smith, Rhonda Miller and Dana Mitchell. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Burton S. Burks, Jr. in 2017, her son, James Burton (Jim) Burks, in 1999 and her sister-in-law, Mary Kathryn Burks, in 2010.
The family would like to thank Oakwood Assisted Living of Stephenville and Stephen’s Health Care of Stephenville for their kind and compassionate care the past months. The family wishes to thank Solaris Healthcare for their exceptional compassionate hospice care during Frances’ final days.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice.