A single star sparkles anew…set in Heaven”
Frankie Lou Williams Thomas, age 92, entered into heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 24, 2019.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra with Rev. Bob Lee of First United Methodist Church of Electra officiating. Interment will follow in Electra Memorial Park under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.
On January 3, 1927 at 11:00 a.m. Frankie Lou Williams was born at home to Samuel Harmon (S.H.- Sammie) Williams and Julia Irene Stradley Williams in Electra, Texas. Her parents were a hard-working family who settled in Electra to support the nearby Burkburnett, Texas Oil Boom. Her father, a rig builder, was one of many responsible for building the hundreds of wooden rigs in in those fields. Frankie descends from Scandinavian, Welsh and Irish ancestry, “Boobala or Boobs” as she was affectionately called by her parents and siblings) shared her family’s flair for music and performance. Her first musical appearance came at the tender age of 6 when she joined her father in song; he an accomplished fiddle player, frequently traveled on horseback to play at area dances and numerous celebrations around North Texas. Her father influenced her aptitude for music by and at age 9 bought her a black ebony, Chicago- made Werner Brand upright piano, which still resides in her home today. Musically she was almost entirely self- taught (her Grandfather taught her a few basic chords) and she played by ear all of her life. She musically accompanied her father for years and then at age 11 became a regular performer with the Ted Price Band, affiliated with the Texas Company, later best known as the Texaco Corporation) that regularly played at the Red Roof Inn- a well-known, very popular dance hall/eatery in Electra. She would continue performing with them for 5- plus more years.
Frankie grew up in Electra and started her young life growing up without a Mother, but nonetheless became a dedicated, hard-working musician and student, maintaining her straight A- grades on through to high school graduation (albeit a self-admitted sleepy student as mentioned many times in her copious daily diary entries because of the combination of school and nightly musical performances).
She was raised by her father and went to school graduating with honors from Electra High School in 1943 at the tender age of 16. She was popular in all school activities and musical circles.
Frankie dutifully recorded her daily thoughts, prayers and activities into her diaries her entire life until she reached age 85 and then stopped doing so because she said, at that time, “things don’t change much anymore”.
Frankie developed meticulous habits years ago and always took the best possible care of herself and her home, despite rough circumstances she endured when she least expected or deserved it. For years, before it was in vogue, she encouraged people to avoid eating meat because of her loving heart and strong empathy for animals.
She began working at a day job at the tender age of 16, working for the Bureau of Reclamation in Tucumcari, NM ( where her mother resided) followed by employment for the Draft Board, experiencing some of the hard life choices many of our folks had to make during those years, including typing the order to send her own beloved brother off to war. He would return home from WWII service, only to pass later at a young age.
And always ever present throughout her life, performing and enjoying music – all kinds of music, particularly enjoying the songs that made her happiest and uplifted, those sounds of the Big Bands and Dixieland Jazz and of course, the ever-present Bob Wills.
Her simple, elegant beauty, inside and out, encouraged others to help her apply and be chosen as winner of the “Miss Tucumcari Pageant of 1948” in a Jaycee sponsored beauty/talent contest in Tucumcari, N.M. in the summer of that year and was selected as the representative of that city in the New Mexico State Beauty contest held in Albuquerque.
At age 19 she met and fell in love with and, within a year and a half, married the love of her life, William Brady Thomas, Jr. of Sweetwater, Texas. They were married just shy of 50 years, when he passed.
Miss Frankie had a full life that revolved around her family, her friends, her interests. Her passions were music, arts, gardening and animals. She could never get enough of Dixie Land Jazz (always said “happy music, makes happy people”) and jazzy sounds plus the lonesome cry of a Texas fiddle. A devoted artist (her medium was oils and later acrylics), beautiful knitter, a loving and creative cook and animal benefactor. She adored butterflies for their beauty and grace and honored the bumble bees of the world strongly advocating for them (encouraging others to protect what God gives us so freely). She was highly protective of the many strays who found their way into her heart and home as she lovingly cared for them until they gently passed under her sweet, dutiful and tender care. She enjoyed shopping, being with friends and family, reading, knitting, painting, gardening (fresh vegetables, heirloom Roses and Mountain Laurels among her many favorites) and the simple pleasures of well- prepared/beautifully presented dishes. She studiously evaluated every recipe, carefully creating wonderfully delicious meals for all family to enjoy.
She touched many people with her life lessons, fierce sense of justice and numerous stories about her pioneer family and their many tales. She had a dry sense of humor, deep compassion, fairness, kindness, quick Irish/Welsh temper, and a very strong will.
She was a Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR), Thankful Hubbard Chapter, in Austin, Texas. Her life was a reflection of her goodness and her strength to endure and accomplish what she felt was important, often overcoming insurmountable odds. Throughout her life her dedication to others, sharp wit, desire for humor and laughter, happiness and creating beauty around us have encouraged others to love and deeply respect her.
We’ve admired her fortitude, expectation of quality, limitless compassion and love for those that are less able or fortunate and her stern lessons that no matter what…love your children, animals and elders keeping them close and protected and be devoted to them, as they are the most vulnerable among us. She believed one can ALWAYS do more and must try to always do more with excellence and grace. She was a complex, sensitive and strong person, admired and adored by many.
Frankie is survived by her devoted family – her daughter, Julia Thomas Eriksen and son-in-law, Michael Eriksen of Austin, Texas who lovingly cared for her at home; her best friend and sister, Wanda Sue Walker of Tucumcari New Mexico, her two sons, Johnny (Jake) Walker and Blake Walker also of Tucumcari, New Mexico; Her beloved niece, Norma Jean Williams Young, her daughter, Shannon Young Riley and her husband, Randy Riley and their children, Farrah Riley Stahler and husband Robert, their son Benjamin, son, Spencer Riley and soon to be wife, Maggie Leming; her much loved nephew, Douglas “Bubba” Williams Jr., partner, Shirley Fields, his son and his wife Carey and Teresa Williams and their son, Colin Williams. Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, S.H.(Sammie) and Julia Irene Stradley Williams; husband William Brady Thomas, Jr.
The family is honored to have Michael Eriksen, Jake Walker, Doug Williams, Cary Williams, Colin Williams, and Randy Riley serve as pallbearers.
The Williams/Thomas family would like to thank the devoted and caring people at Resolutions Hospice, Austin, TX (Tauna Lebowsky, R.N.,) and also extend very special heartfelt thanks to her caregivers during the last years and days of her life- Simone Falowo who made her life transition lovely, sweet, respectful, and loving, Princess Greene for faithfully and gently caring for Mom, Chelsea Keejii Nelson (along with her brother Dan) who loved her deeply and cared for her as their own Grandmother, and allowed her a last happy outbound adventure /mall journey with vanilla shake in hand, Katrina Wilson who brought great joy with her broad smile, bright blue eyes and tender ways who gave her family the gift of her recorded voice, Maryann Ramirez who cared, encouraged and prayed over Mom for many years, and Detra Washington’s warm disposition and skilled caregiving management.
We all love you and miss you terribly “Miss Frankie”/Boobs.
Planned donations made in her honor should be used to adopt an unwanted pet from your local shelter, preferably an older one, and love and care for that baby as you would love and care for yourself.
Aulds Funeral Home
Electra, Texas
Frankie Lou Williams Thomas, age 92, entered into heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 24, 2019.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra with Rev. Bob Lee of First United Methodist Church of Electra officiating. Interment will follow in Electra Memorial Park under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.
On January 3, 1927 at 11:00 a.m. Frankie Lou Williams was born at home to Samuel Harmon (S.H.- Sammie) Williams and Julia Irene Stradley Williams in Electra, Texas. Her parents were a hard-working family who settled in Electra to support the nearby Burkburnett, Texas Oil Boom. Her father, a rig builder, was one of many responsible for building the hundreds of wooden rigs in in those fields. Frankie descends from Scandinavian, Welsh and Irish ancestry, “Boobala or Boobs” as she was affectionately called by her parents and siblings) shared her family’s flair for music and performance. Her first musical appearance came at the tender age of 6 when she joined her father in song; he an accomplished fiddle player, frequently traveled on horseback to play at area dances and numerous celebrations around North Texas. Her father influenced her aptitude for music by and at age 9 bought her a black ebony, Chicago- made Werner Brand upright piano, which still resides in her home today. Musically she was almost entirely self- taught (her Grandfather taught her a few basic chords) and she played by ear all of her life. She musically accompanied her father for years and then at age 11 became a regular performer with the Ted Price Band, affiliated with the Texas Company, later best known as the Texaco Corporation) that regularly played at the Red Roof Inn- a well-known, very popular dance hall/eatery in Electra. She would continue performing with them for 5- plus more years.
Frankie grew up in Electra and started her young life growing up without a Mother, but nonetheless became a dedicated, hard-working musician and student, maintaining her straight A- grades on through to high school graduation (albeit a self-admitted sleepy student as mentioned many times in her copious daily diary entries because of the combination of school and nightly musical performances).
She was raised by her father and went to school graduating with honors from Electra High School in 1943 at the tender age of 16. She was popular in all school activities and musical circles.
Frankie dutifully recorded her daily thoughts, prayers and activities into her diaries her entire life until she reached age 85 and then stopped doing so because she said, at that time, “things don’t change much anymore”.
Frankie developed meticulous habits years ago and always took the best possible care of herself and her home, despite rough circumstances she endured when she least expected or deserved it. For years, before it was in vogue, she encouraged people to avoid eating meat because of her loving heart and strong empathy for animals.
She began working at a day job at the tender age of 16, working for the Bureau of Reclamation in Tucumcari, NM ( where her mother resided) followed by employment for the Draft Board, experiencing some of the hard life choices many of our folks had to make during those years, including typing the order to send her own beloved brother off to war. He would return home from WWII service, only to pass later at a young age.
And always ever present throughout her life, performing and enjoying music – all kinds of music, particularly enjoying the songs that made her happiest and uplifted, those sounds of the Big Bands and Dixieland Jazz and of course, the ever-present Bob Wills.
Her simple, elegant beauty, inside and out, encouraged others to help her apply and be chosen as winner of the “Miss Tucumcari Pageant of 1948” in a Jaycee sponsored beauty/talent contest in Tucumcari, N.M. in the summer of that year and was selected as the representative of that city in the New Mexico State Beauty contest held in Albuquerque.
At age 19 she met and fell in love with and, within a year and a half, married the love of her life, William Brady Thomas, Jr. of Sweetwater, Texas. They were married just shy of 50 years, when he passed.
Miss Frankie had a full life that revolved around her family, her friends, her interests. Her passions were music, arts, gardening and animals. She could never get enough of Dixie Land Jazz (always said “happy music, makes happy people”) and jazzy sounds plus the lonesome cry of a Texas fiddle. A devoted artist (her medium was oils and later acrylics), beautiful knitter, a loving and creative cook and animal benefactor. She adored butterflies for their beauty and grace and honored the bumble bees of the world strongly advocating for them (encouraging others to protect what God gives us so freely). She was highly protective of the many strays who found their way into her heart and home as she lovingly cared for them until they gently passed under her sweet, dutiful and tender care. She enjoyed shopping, being with friends and family, reading, knitting, painting, gardening (fresh vegetables, heirloom Roses and Mountain Laurels among her many favorites) and the simple pleasures of well- prepared/beautifully presented dishes. She studiously evaluated every recipe, carefully creating wonderfully delicious meals for all family to enjoy.
She touched many people with her life lessons, fierce sense of justice and numerous stories about her pioneer family and their many tales. She had a dry sense of humor, deep compassion, fairness, kindness, quick Irish/Welsh temper, and a very strong will.
She was a Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR), Thankful Hubbard Chapter, in Austin, Texas. Her life was a reflection of her goodness and her strength to endure and accomplish what she felt was important, often overcoming insurmountable odds. Throughout her life her dedication to others, sharp wit, desire for humor and laughter, happiness and creating beauty around us have encouraged others to love and deeply respect her.
We’ve admired her fortitude, expectation of quality, limitless compassion and love for those that are less able or fortunate and her stern lessons that no matter what…love your children, animals and elders keeping them close and protected and be devoted to them, as they are the most vulnerable among us. She believed one can ALWAYS do more and must try to always do more with excellence and grace. She was a complex, sensitive and strong person, admired and adored by many.
Frankie is survived by her devoted family – her daughter, Julia Thomas Eriksen and son-in-law, Michael Eriksen of Austin, Texas who lovingly cared for her at home; her best friend and sister, Wanda Sue Walker of Tucumcari New Mexico, her two sons, Johnny (Jake) Walker and Blake Walker also of Tucumcari, New Mexico; Her beloved niece, Norma Jean Williams Young, her daughter, Shannon Young Riley and her husband, Randy Riley and their children, Farrah Riley Stahler and husband Robert, their son Benjamin, son, Spencer Riley and soon to be wife, Maggie Leming; her much loved nephew, Douglas “Bubba” Williams Jr., partner, Shirley Fields, his son and his wife Carey and Teresa Williams and their son, Colin Williams. Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, S.H.(Sammie) and Julia Irene Stradley Williams; husband William Brady Thomas, Jr.
The family is honored to have Michael Eriksen, Jake Walker, Doug Williams, Cary Williams, Colin Williams, and Randy Riley serve as pallbearers.
The Williams/Thomas family would like to thank the devoted and caring people at Resolutions Hospice, Austin, TX (Tauna Lebowsky, R.N.,) and also extend very special heartfelt thanks to her caregivers during the last years and days of her life- Simone Falowo who made her life transition lovely, sweet, respectful, and loving, Princess Greene for faithfully and gently caring for Mom, Chelsea Keejii Nelson (along with her brother Dan) who loved her deeply and cared for her as their own Grandmother, and allowed her a last happy outbound adventure /mall journey with vanilla shake in hand, Katrina Wilson who brought great joy with her broad smile, bright blue eyes and tender ways who gave her family the gift of her recorded voice, Maryann Ramirez who cared, encouraged and prayed over Mom for many years, and Detra Washington’s warm disposition and skilled caregiving management.
We all love you and miss you terribly “Miss Frankie”/Boobs.
Planned donations made in her honor should be used to adopt an unwanted pet from your local shelter, preferably an older one, and love and care for that baby as you would love and care for yourself.
Aulds Funeral Home
Electra, Texas
A single star sparkles anew…set in Heaven”
Frankie Lou Williams Thomas, age 92, entered into heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 24, 2019.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra with Rev. Bob Lee of First United Methodist Church of Electra officiating. Interment will follow in Electra Memorial Park under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.
On January 3, 1927 at 11:00 a.m. Frankie Lou Williams was born at home to Samuel Harmon (S.H.- Sammie) Williams and Julia Irene Stradley Williams in Electra, Texas. Her parents were a hard-working family who settled in Electra to support the nearby Burkburnett, Texas Oil Boom. Her father, a rig builder, was one of many responsible for building the hundreds of wooden rigs in in those fields. Frankie descends from Scandinavian, Welsh and Irish ancestry, “Boobala or Boobs” as she was affectionately called by her parents and siblings) shared her family’s flair for music and performance. Her first musical appearance came at the tender age of 6 when she joined her father in song; he an accomplished fiddle player, frequently traveled on horseback to play at area dances and numerous celebrations around North Texas. Her father influenced her aptitude for music by and at age 9 bought her a black ebony, Chicago- made Werner Brand upright piano, which still resides in her home today. Musically she was almost entirely self- taught (her Grandfather taught her a few basic chords) and she played by ear all of her life. She musically accompanied her father for years and then at age 11 became a regular performer with the Ted Price Band, affiliated with the Texas Company, later best known as the Texaco Corporation) that regularly played at the Red Roof Inn- a well-known, very popular dance hall/eatery in Electra. She would continue performing with them for 5- plus more years.
Frankie grew up in Electra and started her young life growing up without a Mother, but nonetheless became a dedicated, hard-working musician and student, maintaining her straight A- grades on through to high school graduation (albeit a self-admitted sleepy student as mentioned many times in her copious daily diary entries because of the combination of school and nightly musical performances).
She was raised by her father and went to school graduating with honors from Electra High School in 1943 at the tender age of 16. She was popular in all school activities and musical circles.
Frankie dutifully recorded her daily thoughts, prayers and activities into her diaries her entire life until she reached age 85 and then stopped doing so because she said, at that time, “things don’t change much anymore”.
Frankie developed meticulous habits years ago and always took the best possible care of herself and her home, despite rough circumstances she endured when she least expected or deserved it. For years, before it was in vogue, she encouraged people to avoid eating meat because of her loving heart and strong empathy for animals.
She began working at a day job at the tender age of 16, working for the Bureau of Reclamation in Tucumcari, NM ( where her mother resided) followed by employment for the Draft Board, experiencing some of the hard life choices many of our folks had to make during those years, including typing the order to send her own beloved brother off to war. He would return home from WWII service, only to pass later at a young age.
And always ever present throughout her life, performing and enjoying music – all kinds of music, particularly enjoying the songs that made her happiest and uplifted, those sounds of the Big Bands and Dixieland Jazz and of course, the ever-present Bob Wills.
Her simple, elegant beauty, inside and out, encouraged others to help her apply and be chosen as winner of the “Miss Tucumcari Pageant of 1948” in a Jaycee sponsored beauty/talent contest in Tucumcari, N.M. in the summer of that year and was selected as the representative of that city in the New Mexico State Beauty contest held in Albuquerque.
At age 19 she met and fell in love with and, within a year and a half, married the love of her life, William Brady Thomas, Jr. of Sweetwater, Texas. They were married just shy of 50 years, when he passed.
Miss Frankie had a full life that revolved around her family, her friends, her interests. Her passions were music, arts, gardening and animals. She could never get enough of Dixie Land Jazz (always said “happy music, makes happy people”) and jazzy sounds plus the lonesome cry of a Texas fiddle. A devoted artist (her medium was oils and later acrylics), beautiful knitter, a loving and creative cook and animal benefactor. She adored butterflies for their beauty and grace and honored the bumble bees of the world strongly advocating for them (encouraging others to protect what God gives us so freely). She was highly protective of the many strays who found their way into her heart and home as she lovingly cared for them until they gently passed under her sweet, dutiful and tender care. She enjoyed shopping, being with friends and family, reading, knitting, painting, gardening (fresh vegetables, heirloom Roses and Mountain Laurels among her many favorites) and the simple pleasures of well- prepared/beautifully presented dishes. She studiously evaluated every recipe, carefully creating wonderfully delicious meals for all family to enjoy.
She touched many people with her life lessons, fierce sense of justice and numerous stories about her pioneer family and their many tales. She had a dry sense of humor, deep compassion, fairness, kindness, quick Irish/Welsh temper, and a very strong will.
She was a Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR), Thankful Hubbard Chapter, in Austin, Texas. Her life was a reflection of her goodness and her strength to endure and accomplish what she felt was important, often overcoming insurmountable odds. Throughout her life her dedication to others, sharp wit, desire for humor and laughter, happiness and creating beauty around us have encouraged others to love and deeply respect her.
We’ve admired her fortitude, expectation of quality, limitless compassion and love for those that are less able or fortunate and her stern lessons that no matter what…love your children, animals and elders keeping them close and protected and be devoted to them, as they are the most vulnerable among us. She believed one can ALWAYS do more and must try to always do more with excellence and grace. She was a complex, sensitive and strong person, admired and adored by many.
Frankie is survived by her devoted family – her daughter, Julia Thomas Eriksen and son-in-law, Michael Eriksen of Austin, Texas who lovingly cared for her at home; her best friend and sister, Wanda Sue Walker of Tucumcari New Mexico, her two sons, Johnny (Jake) Walker and Blake Walker also of Tucumcari, New Mexico; Her beloved niece, Norma Jean Williams Young, her daughter, Shannon Young Riley and her husband, Randy Riley and their children, Farrah Riley Stahler and husband Robert, their son Benjamin, son, Spencer Riley and soon to be wife, Maggie Leming; her much loved nephew, Douglas “Bubba” Williams Jr., partner, Shirley Fields, his son and his wife Carey and Teresa Williams and their son, Colin Williams. Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, S.H.(Sammie) and Julia Irene Stradley Williams; husband William Brady Thomas, Jr.
The family is honored to have Michael Eriksen, Jake Walker, Doug Williams, Cary Williams, Colin Williams, and Randy Riley serve as pallbearers.
The Williams/Thomas family would like to thank the devoted and caring people at Resolutions Hospice, Austin, TX (Tauna Lebowsky, R.N.,) and also extend very special heartfelt thanks to her caregivers during the last years and days of her life- Simone Falowo who made her life transition lovely, sweet, respectful, and loving, Princess Greene for faithfully and gently caring for Mom, Chelsea Keejii Nelson (along with her brother Dan) who loved her deeply and cared for her as their own Grandmother, and allowed her a last happy outbound adventure /mall journey with vanilla shake in hand, Katrina Wilson who brought great joy with her broad smile, bright blue eyes and tender ways who gave her family the gift of her recorded voice, Maryann Ramirez who cared, encouraged and prayed over Mom for many years, and Detra Washington’s warm disposition and skilled caregiving management.
We all love you and miss you terribly “Miss Frankie”/Boobs.
Planned donations made in her honor should be used to adopt an unwanted pet from your local shelter, preferably an older one, and love and care for that baby as you would love and care for yourself.
Aulds Funeral Home
Electra, Texas
Frankie Lou Williams Thomas, age 92, entered into heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 24, 2019.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra with Rev. Bob Lee of First United Methodist Church of Electra officiating. Interment will follow in Electra Memorial Park under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.
On January 3, 1927 at 11:00 a.m. Frankie Lou Williams was born at home to Samuel Harmon (S.H.- Sammie) Williams and Julia Irene Stradley Williams in Electra, Texas. Her parents were a hard-working family who settled in Electra to support the nearby Burkburnett, Texas Oil Boom. Her father, a rig builder, was one of many responsible for building the hundreds of wooden rigs in in those fields. Frankie descends from Scandinavian, Welsh and Irish ancestry, “Boobala or Boobs” as she was affectionately called by her parents and siblings) shared her family’s flair for music and performance. Her first musical appearance came at the tender age of 6 when she joined her father in song; he an accomplished fiddle player, frequently traveled on horseback to play at area dances and numerous celebrations around North Texas. Her father influenced her aptitude for music by and at age 9 bought her a black ebony, Chicago- made Werner Brand upright piano, which still resides in her home today. Musically she was almost entirely self- taught (her Grandfather taught her a few basic chords) and she played by ear all of her life. She musically accompanied her father for years and then at age 11 became a regular performer with the Ted Price Band, affiliated with the Texas Company, later best known as the Texaco Corporation) that regularly played at the Red Roof Inn- a well-known, very popular dance hall/eatery in Electra. She would continue performing with them for 5- plus more years.
Frankie grew up in Electra and started her young life growing up without a Mother, but nonetheless became a dedicated, hard-working musician and student, maintaining her straight A- grades on through to high school graduation (albeit a self-admitted sleepy student as mentioned many times in her copious daily diary entries because of the combination of school and nightly musical performances).
She was raised by her father and went to school graduating with honors from Electra High School in 1943 at the tender age of 16. She was popular in all school activities and musical circles.
Frankie dutifully recorded her daily thoughts, prayers and activities into her diaries her entire life until she reached age 85 and then stopped doing so because she said, at that time, “things don’t change much anymore”.
Frankie developed meticulous habits years ago and always took the best possible care of herself and her home, despite rough circumstances she endured when she least expected or deserved it. For years, before it was in vogue, she encouraged people to avoid eating meat because of her loving heart and strong empathy for animals.
She began working at a day job at the tender age of 16, working for the Bureau of Reclamation in Tucumcari, NM ( where her mother resided) followed by employment for the Draft Board, experiencing some of the hard life choices many of our folks had to make during those years, including typing the order to send her own beloved brother off to war. He would return home from WWII service, only to pass later at a young age.
And always ever present throughout her life, performing and enjoying music – all kinds of music, particularly enjoying the songs that made her happiest and uplifted, those sounds of the Big Bands and Dixieland Jazz and of course, the ever-present Bob Wills.
Her simple, elegant beauty, inside and out, encouraged others to help her apply and be chosen as winner of the “Miss Tucumcari Pageant of 1948” in a Jaycee sponsored beauty/talent contest in Tucumcari, N.M. in the summer of that year and was selected as the representative of that city in the New Mexico State Beauty contest held in Albuquerque.
At age 19 she met and fell in love with and, within a year and a half, married the love of her life, William Brady Thomas, Jr. of Sweetwater, Texas. They were married just shy of 50 years, when he passed.
Miss Frankie had a full life that revolved around her family, her friends, her interests. Her passions were music, arts, gardening and animals. She could never get enough of Dixie Land Jazz (always said “happy music, makes happy people”) and jazzy sounds plus the lonesome cry of a Texas fiddle. A devoted artist (her medium was oils and later acrylics), beautiful knitter, a loving and creative cook and animal benefactor. She adored butterflies for their beauty and grace and honored the bumble bees of the world strongly advocating for them (encouraging others to protect what God gives us so freely). She was highly protective of the many strays who found their way into her heart and home as she lovingly cared for them until they gently passed under her sweet, dutiful and tender care. She enjoyed shopping, being with friends and family, reading, knitting, painting, gardening (fresh vegetables, heirloom Roses and Mountain Laurels among her many favorites) and the simple pleasures of well- prepared/beautifully presented dishes. She studiously evaluated every recipe, carefully creating wonderfully delicious meals for all family to enjoy.
She touched many people with her life lessons, fierce sense of justice and numerous stories about her pioneer family and their many tales. She had a dry sense of humor, deep compassion, fairness, kindness, quick Irish/Welsh temper, and a very strong will.
She was a Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR), Thankful Hubbard Chapter, in Austin, Texas. Her life was a reflection of her goodness and her strength to endure and accomplish what she felt was important, often overcoming insurmountable odds. Throughout her life her dedication to others, sharp wit, desire for humor and laughter, happiness and creating beauty around us have encouraged others to love and deeply respect her.
We’ve admired her fortitude, expectation of quality, limitless compassion and love for those that are less able or fortunate and her stern lessons that no matter what…love your children, animals and elders keeping them close and protected and be devoted to them, as they are the most vulnerable among us. She believed one can ALWAYS do more and must try to always do more with excellence and grace. She was a complex, sensitive and strong person, admired and adored by many.
Frankie is survived by her devoted family – her daughter, Julia Thomas Eriksen and son-in-law, Michael Eriksen of Austin, Texas who lovingly cared for her at home; her best friend and sister, Wanda Sue Walker of Tucumcari New Mexico, her two sons, Johnny (Jake) Walker and Blake Walker also of Tucumcari, New Mexico; Her beloved niece, Norma Jean Williams Young, her daughter, Shannon Young Riley and her husband, Randy Riley and their children, Farrah Riley Stahler and husband Robert, their son Benjamin, son, Spencer Riley and soon to be wife, Maggie Leming; her much loved nephew, Douglas “Bubba” Williams Jr., partner, Shirley Fields, his son and his wife Carey and Teresa Williams and their son, Colin Williams. Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, S.H.(Sammie) and Julia Irene Stradley Williams; husband William Brady Thomas, Jr.
The family is honored to have Michael Eriksen, Jake Walker, Doug Williams, Cary Williams, Colin Williams, and Randy Riley serve as pallbearers.
The Williams/Thomas family would like to thank the devoted and caring people at Resolutions Hospice, Austin, TX (Tauna Lebowsky, R.N.,) and also extend very special heartfelt thanks to her caregivers during the last years and days of her life- Simone Falowo who made her life transition lovely, sweet, respectful, and loving, Princess Greene for faithfully and gently caring for Mom, Chelsea Keejii Nelson (along with her brother Dan) who loved her deeply and cared for her as their own Grandmother, and allowed her a last happy outbound adventure /mall journey with vanilla shake in hand, Katrina Wilson who brought great joy with her broad smile, bright blue eyes and tender ways who gave her family the gift of her recorded voice, Maryann Ramirez who cared, encouraged and prayed over Mom for many years, and Detra Washington’s warm disposition and skilled caregiving management.
We all love you and miss you terribly “Miss Frankie”/Boobs.
Planned donations made in her honor should be used to adopt an unwanted pet from your local shelter, preferably an older one, and love and care for that baby as you would love and care for yourself.
Aulds Funeral Home
Electra, Texas
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