Emma Frances Wilson Beck

Emma Frances Wilson Beck passed away on Monday, November 9, 2015, at the age of 85, causing great sorrow and loss to her family and countless friends. Known to all as "Fran," she was born in Fairfield, Illinois, to Flo and Benjamin Wilson. Fran was a brilliant and spirited woman who lived her life with integrity and generosity to others, and with great love for her family, friends and fellow men and women. Graduating from Fairfield Community High School at a very young age, Fran began her college education when she was only 15. She valued education very highly, and throughout her life, she was constantly driven to learn and acquire knowledge regarding a myriad of topics. While in nursing school at St. Louis University in Missouri, Fran met her future husband and best friend Bill. Fran and Bill were married on June 7, 1952, and their loving marriage was blessed by four children. Living in Abbeville, Louisiana, where Bill was working as a geophysical engineer and Fran was starting and teaching the special education class at the local elementary school, Fran and Bill decided to pursue graduate degrees at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. With four children under six years of age, and Bill attending law school, Fran began her studies in the field of education. She earned her PhD in special education and guidance counseling in 1966, and embarked on her career as a professor at LSU. Her career at LSU was notable, including service as the Director of the Special Education Center, authorship of over 50 publications and two books, participation in many aspects of the political leadership of the university, and service in leadership roles in state and national professional organizations too numerous to mention. A Professor Emerita, she was a founding member of both the Peabody Society and the Dean's Circle, a member of the University Women's Club and the Faculty Club, and served multiple terms on the Faculty Senate during her tenure. Her productivity was well-respected and a special asset for LSU, and along with her strong work ethic, served as an example to all who were privileged to work with her. During the challenging times of desegregation in higher education, Fran was instrumental in developing services and training during the early years of mandated special education services, and in ensuring that such services were available to all who had need. In addition to her many contributions to LSU as a professor, Fran faithfully supported LSU financially, both publicly and privately. An avid fan and booster of all things LSU, Fran was the first female faculty member to serve on the LSU Athletic Council. Her role in helping to shape LSU's Title IX compliance in achieving equity in collegiate athletics was a significant factor in the enhancement of LSU's women's sports programs, as well as other smaller programs. Her love of LSU sports continued long after her retirement. She was a member of the Bengal Belles and faithfully followed the football, baseball and softball, and men's and women's basketball teams, often traveling great distances to support them. However noteworthy her professional contributions were, Fran was especially proud of her accomplishments in bridge and tennis.Her enthusiastic participation in these endeavors evidenced that her value in acquiring knowledge was not just limited to academia. She once corrected someone who asked if she were the famous Dr. Beck from LSU, by explaining that she was more importantly a "life master" in bridge. And her wicked slice angle shot on the tennis court was named "the Frannie" by friend and foe alike. She also delighted in travel, and she and Bill enjoyed many trips together both within and outside of the United States. Fran was a woman of incredible accomplishment, especially in those things that matter most in life. She had a love for people that went beyond her family and immediate circle of friends -- she created an extended family of friends, and warmly welcomed them into her life, becoming a second mother to so many people who appreciated her love and advice. Beyond her family and friends, she was an advocate for social justice and equality for men and women of all backgrounds. She strongly believed in participating in the political process, serving twice as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention. Despite the discomfort she suffered during her recent illness, she rallied to go vote last Saturday. Always an advocate for the less fortunate among us, Fran was an example to others of how to live your convictions with courage, and she will be very much missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her special wisdom and wit. Fran will be remembered for her enormous sense of humor, infectious spirit, and boundless energy. Never known to mince words about how she felt about any given topic, she was plain spoken and lived every day with "joie de vivre." As a part of her zest for life, she and Bill hosted numerous gatherings entertaining their many friends, where good times were had by all. Fran is predeceased by her parents, Flo and Benjamin Wilson; her brother Benjamin Jr.; and her sister Mary Ellen. She is survived by her loving husband William D. Beck, Jr.; her siblings Tom Wilson (wife June) and Cindy Wilson Buck; her children Teresa Tiller (husband Larry), Barbara Beck, William D. Beck III, John Beck (wife Elizabeth); her grandchildren Emily Villar Andriessen (husband Helias), Scott Villar (wife Kristen); and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home (825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday, November 13, 2015, at St. Joseph Cathedral (412 North St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802) from 9:00 AM until the funeral mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In keeping with Fran's personality, we invite everyone to please come wearing colorful hats, scarves and clothing, particularly purple and gold, to celebrate the life of a truly "one-of-a-kind" remarkable woman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the LSU Foundation in Fran's memory.