Trebie Perry Francisco

Born in Longville, Louisiana on the 22nd of September 1925, she was the daughter of Clio Raimer Perry and Joseph Wesley Perry.

The beginning of the Great Depression brought six-year-old Trebie with her parents to Houston where her father, Joe Perry, walked the downtown streets looking for employment. He was hired by Humble Oil & Refining Company, where he worked for 33 years. During the time leading up to his retirement in 1964, Joe was Assistant Comptroller of Humble Oil & Refinery, which became Exxon Company in 1973.

Trebie attended Wharton Elementary, Lanier Middle School and Lamar High School, where she created many lifelong friends. At Lamar she was honored with becoming Cheerleader, Most Popular and Queen of the May Fete.

After graduating from Lamar High School at age 16, she was accepted at Rice University. However, a visit to Austin and The University of Texas changed her mind. So she was off to The University of Texas where she was a member of the sorority Delta Delta Delta. Trebie was elected Bluebonnet Belle, Aqua Carnival Queen and one of the Ten Most Beautiful.

In 1945, Trebie married and moved to Odessa, Texas where her two older children, Drue and Robin, were born. Trebie was a charter member of the Junior Service League and the Garden Club and made many West Texas lifelong friendships.

When she returned to Houston in 1960, she reconnected with many of her friends and former classmates and was soon introduced to George Francisco III, with whom she shared 61 years of loving marriage and welcomed the addition of their son, George IV. She was Co-Chairman of the St. John’s School Mothers Guild, organizing many after-school functions and volunteering in the school library.

Together Trebie and George lived a wonderful life of love and adventure. George's sailing took them on many trips throughout the USA as well as overseas. Some of Trebie's favorite places were Bermuda, Toronto, Spain and New Orleans.

Trebie and George built and enjoyed two homes in Rockport, Texas where they entertained family and friends. Trebie often spoke of how much she and George loved being around and on the water.

Trebie's favorite place, however, was their bay house at Texas Corinthian Yacht Club in Kemah, Texas. They spent many summers living there, enriching cherished friendships.

Trebie became an accomplished tennis player. She was part of a tennis group that played often at River Oaks Country Club, Houston Country Club and The Forest Club. She was also an accomplished mahjong player. She and one of her Lamar High School friends, Sugar Archer, enjoyed playing mahjong so much that they decided to become instructors. They had many fun years sharing the game with their friends.

In the middle of this active and good life, Trebie, with the help of her husband George, built decorative picture frames. Through Francesca Frame Co., these frames found their way into many homes as they were distributed through stores and catalogs, including Neiman Marcus.

Discovering a love of fabrics and colors led her to interior decorating. Trebie sold Francesca Frame Co. and created Living Designs Co. She thrived in the interior decorating business, mainly in Houston, and also enjoyed working on ranch houses, bay homes and offices.

Affectionately known to many as "the Treeb", it is fair to say that Trebie was a friend's friend. She was devoted, loyal, caring and kind. Trebie was an exceptionally beautiful woman whose spirit was as beautiful as her appearance.

To her family, Trebie was wife, mom and grandmom. We honor her loving, loyal and supportive ways. Above all, Trebie's resilient nature throughout all her life is a guiding light for us today.

It has been an honor and a privilege to witness both Trebie and George III navigate the latter years of life together.

Trebie Francisco was predeceased by her devoted husband, George Carl Francisco III. She is survived by her children: Drue Boyles and husband, David; Robin French and wife, Anne; George C. Francisco IV and wife, Lisa; grandchildren: Perry Howell Sharman and her husband John, Sharber Howell, Lloyd French and Eve French.

We are grateful for the many years of loving care provided by her caregivers, especially Sharon Hall, Trina Webb, Elba Portillo and Kimberly Marshall.

A memorial service is to be conducted at three o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 7th of November in the sanctuary of The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where the Rev. Reagan Cocke is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to join the family during a reception in Sumners Hall.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Rockport Cemetery in Rockport, Texas.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Trebie's name may be directed to a charity of one's choice.