Frankie Jeanene (James) Hunter

Frankie Jeanene (James) Hunter was a woman ahead of her time. Born on May 9, 1934, to Sadie Thelma (Harry) James and Benjamin Franklin “Frank” James, in Morrill, Texas, Frankie came of age in a generation shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, and a rapidly changing America, navigating a world with clear expectations about what women could and could not do. She spent much of her life reshaping those expectations by quietly living her life on her own terms.

An only child, she grew up in Alto, Texas, very much in her Daddy's back pocket. Though her mother lovingly sewed beautiful dresses for her, Frankie always preferred overalls - a small, but telling, sign that she was never particularly interested in doing things simply because they were expected of her. She often joked that she was named after her father and that the name reflected his disappointment at learning his namesake was a daughter instead of a son. Whether told with humor, with affection, or with a little of both, the story reveals something essential about Frankie: she spent much of her life proving there was nothing she could not do.

She graduated as valedictorian of Alto High School's Class of 1952. But perhaps more remarkable than the achievement itself was what she did next. Learning that the salutatorian desperately wanted to attend college, Frankie gave away her scholarship. Long before generosity became her hallmark, it was already woven into her character. She understood that success meant little if it could not be shared.

After graduation, Frankie moved to Lufkin and attended Massey Business College. She later moved to the Dallas area, where she married and became the proud mother of three daughters: Nancy, Mary Ellen, and Peggy. After a number of years in Dallas, she returned home to East Texas and built a career as a bookkeeper for Ewell Equipment Company, where she faithfully and diligently worked until her retirement. While Frankie worked hard, her greatest work was always her family.

From the time she paid five cents to see the first television at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, she was an avid consumer of media and popular culture. Too, she loved woodworking, fishing, frog gigging, and squirrel hunting; cinema and summer nights with citronella coil candles at the drive-in movie theater; loading up her car for summer vacations or road trips to visit friends; and making sure her daughters had every opportunity to pursue their interests and dreams. She faithfully supported their academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, and church involvement, raising them in the life of Bethlehem United Methodist Church and teaching them values of perseverance, responsibility, and love.

Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. She is survived by her three daughters - arguably her greatest and most enduring legacy - Nancy Redden; Mary Ellen Sampson and her husband, Michael; and Peggy Gilbert. The journey they traveled together is one no one else will ever fully understand - and Frankie leaves them to the world.

She was also the proud grandmother of Krystal and Krystafer Redden, Bradley Ditzler, Benjamin Ditzler, and Joseph Ditzler. As well, she was the delighted great-grandmother of Ivy Rose Ditzler. Her love for all her grandchildren was steadfast and forgiving. In a world quick to judge and slow to forget, Granny specialized in second chances. And third chances. She believed people could grow, that mistakes were not destiny, and that, given enough time, everyone would find their way.

In her later years, Frankie found community and friendship at The Meadows Assisted Living, where residents, staff, sitters, and caregivers became like family to her. Most recently, she made her home at The Joseph House, with support at times from Harbor Hospice. There she was cared for with extraordinary kindness, dignity, and love. For Frankie and her family, these caregivers were truly a gift from God. Her family extends their deepest gratitude to every staff member whose compassion enriched her final chapter, and whose care brought comfort beyond measure.

There are mysteries that leave this world with her. Chief among them may be the meaning of her favorite word: "jubus". Despite countless attempts, she was never able to convey fully what it meant. And yet, there was never any mystery about the things that mattered most. Her family knew her quiet love. They knew her fierce loyalty. They knew that no matter how long the road or how difficult the journey, Frankie would be there.

And what a journey she lived in her years. To honor her memory, stop by Hartz Fried Chicken and order a yeast roll - keep it warm on your dashboard while you drive home. Crack open a cold Rocky Top Cream Soda and enjoy a Little Debbie while watching All My Children and General Hospital. Roll down the windows and listen to your favorite Dolly Parton song. Sit in the front pew at church and unapologetically belt out the refrains from How Great Thou Art. If you're feeling especially adventurous, ride without a seatbelt—though only if you hear Frankie reminding you that they "only restrict you". Put on the sweet crooning of her favorite Country Queens and head toward somewhere you've never been before. Our Granny loved few things more than a good road trip in her car. She understood that life itself is a journey: sometimes long, often winding, occasionally bumpy, but always worth taking when shared with people you love.

Frankie passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, in Lufkin, Texas, at the age of 92. Though she has reached the end of her earthly road, she is free from pain, reunited with her parents, driving her beloved Plymouth all over Heaven’s back roads. Her love continues to travel with us; may the road rise up to meet you, Frankie. Until we see you again.

Under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home, graveside services will be held Friday, June 26, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Old Palestine Cemetery in Alto, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Joseph House, P.O. Box 150554, Lufkin, Texas 75915.

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

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.