Frankie M. (Lavallis) Anderson passed away on Thursday June 10, 2021 at the age of 83, in her home. Frankie was born to Clinton Lavallis and Castell Lavallis (Smith, Brown) in Alexandria, Louisiana on August 29, 1937. Frankie was a proud graduate of Central High School in Natchitoches, Louisiana in 1956. In July 2016 she attended her 60-year class reunion, which she totally enjoyed. She was the proud mother of 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. After her kids got older, she attended San Antonio Community College briefly, with an interest in Library Science. On June 9, 1956 Frankie married Wilson “Dub” Anderson in St. Maurice. The day before she passed away was their 65th wedding anniversary (June 9). Dub and Frankie were Blessed with 3 children: Anita LaJune Anderson, Audwin LaBarron Anderson, and Andrea LaVern Shanks.
Frankie enjoyed her life as an Army military spouse and the many travels it brought her way. Dub and Frankie lived at numerous military stations including Arkansas, Georgia, Germany, California, Washington, Kansas, with some locations twice. The constant moving the military requires can be challenging for the family, but Frankie always met the challenge with enthusiasm. As Frankie traveled, she made AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Service) her career. She enjoyed her work as it also allowed her to meet families from worldwide locations.
Look up the word outgoing in the dictionary and you will see a picture of Frankie. She never met a stranger. She had the rare gift of making people feel like they are old friends. That’s probably why she enjoyed being a Greeter and Usher at Dodd Field Chapel Protestant. She loved attending Dodd Field Chapel and the comfort she gained an active member. Seeing and speaking to members, new and old, always brought her great joy. Frankie tended to become the unofficial leader within her group of friends. She would often organize day trips and other outings with her friends. When she started attending Northeast Senior Citizen Community Center, she often initiated card games, and bring along new member to join in. She knew how to appreciate life.
She also enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren in different states throughout the years. While visiting she loved to go to as many places as possible. Never one to settle on one destination, she wanted as many adventures as possible during each visit. It gave her joy to talk about all the places she had visited.
Frankie is preceded in death by husband Wilson “Dub” Anderson; her parents Clinton Lavallis and Castell Hall Lavallis (Smith, Brown); her step-fathers Huey Smith and Mingo Brown; her brothers Eugene Smith and Charles Smith; her step-siblings Eunice Wiggins, Eddie Mae Ogilive, and James Smith. She is survived by her children Dr. Anita Anderson (Ernest Haffner), Dr. Audwin Anderson, and Mrs. Andrea Shanks (Bruce Sr.); her siblings Clinton Frazier (Dewey) and Dwight Smith (Bernice-deceased) and her grandsons Bruce Shanks Jr (Shaquallah), Jeffrey Shanks (Constance) and Edwin Haffner; and great-grandchildren Jaylen Shanks, Morgan Ashley Shanks, Bruce Shanks III and Caleigh Shanks.
Frankie’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude for all the condolence and expressions of love they have received from family and friends. Services will the held Saturday, June 19 at Dodd Field Chapel Protestant, 5584 Dodd Blvd, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas 78234. Viewing at 1:00pm, services to begin at 1:30pm; the repast to follow in the Dodd Field Chapel Fellowship Hall.
