Fran Layne Landry, 78, of Beaumont, died Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. She was born September 11, 1937 to Minnie Frances (Peggy) Martin and C. O. Layne in Wichita Falls. She lived in several cities in Texas, moving with her father’s assignment with DPS. She attended Lamar University until she moved to Austin with her parents. She received her B.S. in Education from The University of Texas in 1959 and returned to Beaumont, her favorite city, where she met Gene. They wed at St. Anthony’s Church September 3, 1960.

Fran’s greatest love was her family. The home that she built with Gene, her beloved for more than 55 years, was the place in which we all gathered. Her children, Brenda, Doug, and Becka, were her pride and joy. As the grandchildren and great-grandchildren started arriving, each one was a true blessing that she loved to spend time with and brag about to her friends.

Fran often spoke of her childhood homes in Pecos and El Paso and visited there on several occasions. A favorite stop was in Balmorhea, in Reeves County, with cool, fresh spring water flowing into the swimming pool. She treasured her grandmother, Addie Layne, whom she often visited in El Paso. Her parents were from Munday and Goree and she extended several trips there to enjoy favorite spots that were the remains of an old water tower and vacant land that once were homes.

Fran taught as an elementary school teacher in South Park ISD and BISD. She had great influence on many of her 5th Grade students and maintained contact with several, especially through Facebook. She often had written conversation with students she loved and respected. She continues to receive compliments about their experiences in her classroom of which Fran had fond memories.

After retirement, she volunteered with Some Other Place, a ministry of her “Angels” Bible Study group. Her Angels continue to meet and discuss their Faith. Fran was also a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities, and from that experience continued to serve with the Annual ‘Breakfast with the Bishop’.

Fran was a docent for McFaddin Ward Museum and most recently a receptionist because of her physical limitations. She loved her friends at McFaddin Ward and often visited to be with them. She was excited when they recently formed a Mah Jongg group for weekly diversions and looked forward to these games. For 40 years, with a break for children and school, Fran was also a member of a weekly Poker Group. She had a love for both the game and of her dear friends. Gene will miss hosting them and of having Judy honk to pick Fran up when playing in their homes.

Fran was actively involved in ministries in St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, the Diocese of Beaumont, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. She served as President of the St. Jude’s Ladies in the early days of the Parish, and in Bible Study and the Renew Program to increase her faith. She and other ladies met weekly to sew on projects, one being the Pillows at St. Anthony’s Cathedral Basilica. With Lynn’s help she stitched the pillow of Saint Bartholomew and the sewing ladies remain great friends. Fran was a member of the Diocesan Stewardship Committee and extended that ministry to the Parish of St. Jude Thaddeus, including assisting Linda with the St. Joseph’s Altar. Fran was honored to be a member of the EOHS, promoting and contributing to Christians in Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

Survivors include her husband, Gene Landry; daughter, Brenda Thompson and her husband, Ed, of LaPorte; son, Doug Landry and his wife, Diane, of Beaumont; and daughter, Rebecca Palmer and her husband, Mike, of Austin; sister, Mary L. Swanzy of Marble Falls; grandsons, Cody Layne Landry of Orange and Jonathan Palmer of Philadelphia, PA; granddaughters, Jayne Palmer of College Station, Sarah Thompson of LaPorte, and Dot Landry of Beaumont; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Adam, and Peyton.

She is also preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Denise Landry.  

A Rosary will be recited for Mrs. Landry at 5:00 p.m. with a Christian Vigil to follow at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2016, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77704, or Catholic Charities, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703.