Mary Frances "Fran" Erwin

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US Highway 277 S., in Abilene with Pastor Joe Grizzle and Rev. Louis Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Phantom Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5-7:00 PM also at the funeral home.

Mary Frances Erwin was born in Abilene, Texas to the late Francis Ray Smith and Viola Mary (Arrick) Smith on December 3, 1938. Mary Frances (Fran) attended Abilene High School where she met the love of her life, Jack Harold Erwin. They were married in June of 1956, initially living in Abilene but eventually settling on the family homestead in Jones County, where they raised their two daughters. Mary Frances was a devoted homemaker and helpmate to her beloved husband. She was a loving Christian woman who was active in her church, North Park Baptist. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to others in need. She was a calming presence for her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Fran had many interests among which were her precious spring bluebonnets, countless hummingbirds which she fed and nurtured, and her pecan orchard that she and Jack groomed and harvested annually. Fran enjoyed bowling and this was a major joy in her life, both the bowling and the camaraderie she treasured with her many league friends. She was a splendid seamstress who loved making doll clothes for her great grandkids as well as beautiful quilts, Christmas stockings, and clothes. She was a wonderful cook who made many delicious holiday meals and just as many delightful dishes for church suppers. She enjoyed the times that she and her family spent camping and fishing, for these were her most loved activities. These events were usually accompanied by hands of Skip Bo or dominoes, and she taught all her grandchildren the games. There was nothing that meant more to her than family. She kept volumes of photos and videos memorializing every holiday, birthday, family reunion, graduation or any significant event. She was a person who put everyone else before herself. She demonstrated this by being Jack’s long-time caregiver through his long illnesses. She had a particular fondness for the work of the late actor James Dean, and her favorite film was Giant, which she watched often.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents, brother Derriel Smith, Sr., grandson Casey Clifton, and her husband Jack to whom she was married 66 years.

She is survived by her daughters Cindy Clifton and her husband Greg of Weatherford and Tammy Erwin of Wichita Falls; grandchildren Clay Aaron Clifton, Tyler Blaine Champion and his wife Heather, Ryan Scott Champion and his wife McKenzie, and Brylee Grubb Erwin; great grandchildren Landry Rose Clifton, Colbie Ann Clifton, Mary Kate Champion, and Casey Blaine Champion; a sister-in-law Janet Smith; and numerous relatives and special friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider charitable donations to either North Park Baptist Church, 1525 Anson Ave. Abilene, TX 79601 or to Meals on Wheels.