Mary Louise Walston Frank

Mary Louise Walston Frank, a cherished matriarch, left this world on October 8, 2024, surrounded by the warmth and love of her devoted family. Born on October 28, 1933, in Houston, Texas, Mary still embodies a legacy woven with laughter, cherished memories, and unwavering faith.

In her early years, Mary enjoyed sewing where she not only created beautiful garments, but also passed down the art of sewing to her beloved granddaughters. Among the delicious aromas that you could smell drifting from her kitchen, her banana pudding and peach cobbler stood out as favorites. The family also enjoyed her delicious chicken and dumplings and cornbread dressing that became staples among family gatherings.

In her later years, Mary found tranquility and wonder in her surroundings, captivated by the wild birds, squirrels, and deer that graced her backyard—a reminder of nature’s beauty that mirrored the grace of her spirit. Her contented observance of these small wonders painted her life in delicate strokes of peace and appreciation.

At the core of her existence was her unwavering faith. Accepting the Lord as her Savior in her youth, Mary dedicated her life to serving Him. This devotion remained as steadfast as her love for family, thriving in the laughter that filled her home, especially during those cherished moments fellowshipping around the dining table. Family was her pride and joy with a divine love that encompassed her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Mary leaves behind her beloved children, Alyce Maye Vaughan and her husband Aubrey, as well as Angela Dianne Nowak. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Audie Vaughan and his wife Monica, Tonie Mann and her husband Jay, Anita Sikes and her husband Nicky, Matt Nowak and his wife Tiffany, Andrew Vaughan, and Allyson Hard with her husband Shawn. She reveled in the joy of her great-grandchildren—Ray Vaughan,  Mandy Isherwood and her husband JD, Maegan Mann, Kaitlyn Collier and her husband Colten, Krista Mann, Jay Mann, Madison Mann, Doc Sikes, Stephen Sikes and his wife Kaleigh, Bryan Sikes and his wife Karla, Hunter Sikes, Dylan Nowak, Landen Nowak, AJ Vaughan, Angel Banderasand her husband Francisco, Kutter James Hard, and Alyana Vaughan—and she eagerly welcomed her great-great-grandchildren, RJ Vaughan, Aralynn Vaughan, Anthony Vaughan, Addy Vaughan, Baylor West Collier, Anthony Sikes, Ellie Sikes, Emery Sikes, and Aileen Vaughan. She is also survived by her siblings, Joan Milsap and Edrie Lee Snell and her husband Jay.

Mary’s passing leaves a tapestry of grief interwoven with the joyous memories she leaves behind. She joins in eternal rest her parents, Loyal Jack Walston and Edrie Mae Cope Walston; her beloved husband, Tony Frank Jr.; her son, Anthony Frank III; and her siblings Albert, Sonny, Larry, and Jerry Walston; Billie Sue Evans Well; Martha Ann Walston Vaughan; and Jacqueline Walston Bowers.

Visitation for Mary will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Neal Funeral Home in Cleveland, TX, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will follow the next day, Friday, October 11, 2024, at Neal Funeral Home at 1:00 PM. Interment will immediately follow at Cleveland Memorial Cemetery in Cleveland, TX. 

As the sun sets beautifully on the legacy that was Mary Louise Walston Frank, we are reminded that though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit—alive in heaven and in the hearts of her family—will shine brightly for years to come.