Frankie Edwards

Memorial services for Frankie Edwards, 91, of Huntington will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park, 5205 S. First Street, Lufkin, Texas, 75901, with Fr. David Faulkner officiating, followed by a reception at Crown Colony Country Club.

Frankie Edwards was born November 3, 1932 in Olton, Texas to the late Agnes and Frank Horne. She went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Her early life was spent in Terrell, Oklahoma. When she was seven, her parents moved their family to Houston, Texas. Being one of five girls and having twin brothers, Frankie learned early-on the importance of family.

She grew up in The Heights attending Reagan High School where she displayed her competitive nature playing varsity volleyball. As a young girl of sixteen, she met a fun-loving guy named Nathan Edwards who stole her heart. After graduation, Frankie worked for Mosher Steel Corporation in the import/export billing department. Nathan served during the Korean conflict.  Shortly after his return, they were married and spent the next few years in Houston. As their family grew, Frankie left her job to follow Nathan’s career. After buying their farm in Huntington, Texas she embraced life never looking back. She loved living in the Piney Woods of East Texas. They were blessed to enjoy 65 years of marriage. She made wonderful, lifelong friends, especially sharing the experience of raising families together.

Frankie truly had a servant’s heart, generous with her time and talents, always ready to help others. She was selfless putting her family and friends first, quick to commend and defend what was dear to her. Frankie’s faith in, and love for, her Savior sustained her above all else.

Her life stories are heartwarming, funny, sweet and inspirational.  Frankie was resourceful and creative; attributes she claimed were due to being a “Depression-era baby.” She was an accomplished seamstress and worked tirelessly to create the latest fashions for her girls, on occasion sewing through the night to surprise them before school with pretty new dresses.

She enhanced the lives of all those who knew her. She cherished her husband, adored her daughters and found great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include brother, Glenn Horne (Betty); sister, Linda Hambrick; sister-in-law, Claudette Horne; daughters, Karen Funk (Bob) of Brenham, Texas and Melanie Roach (Jonathan) of The Woodlands, Texas; grandchildren, Alexis Whatley, Laura Gray (Ross), Jonathan Funk (Claire), Payton Funk, Millicent Roach, Grayson Roach; great-grandchildren, Finn Mahan, Daisy Gray, Roman Gray, Abel Gray, Rose Gray, Nathan Funk, and Ethan Funk. Also, former son-in-law, Gary Whatley; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Frankie was preceded in death by her parents; devoted husband, Nathan; daughter, Connie Whatley; sisters, Doris Clark (Zach), Wanda Beard (George), Charlene Young (Gerald); brother, Lynn Horne; sisters-in-law, Lois Sturrock (Bill), Marian Trevathan Hudson (Serb, Cecil); brothers-in-law, Johnny Edwards (Norene), Charles Cotton, and Walter Hambrick.

The family would like to express thanks to Margie Eggert, Eloise Packer, Mary Philmon and Laverne Arnold for their special friendship over the years. Hospice in the Pines provided exemplary care during Frankie’s last months of life. Companion/caregiver, Debbie Gaither provided constant support, loving care and watchful eyes. She will forever be remembered and appreciated by the family.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.