Jean “Fran” Frances Dokey Presswood, 80, of Orange, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2013, at her home. She was born in Alba, Texas, on October 12, 1933, to Ruth Herbert and Barney Doyle Dokey, and was raised in Mineola, Texas.
Fran attended Tyler Junior College, where she received her Bachelor of Education degree and Master of Library Science. She was a member of the Apache Belles and Beta Sigma Phi.
A long time educator, Fran touched many lives. She taught in Garland, Tyler, Mercedes, and Rockport, Texas. It is in Rockport where she retired after thirty-one years in the teaching profession.
In May of 1987, she married Wilbern Presswood and resided in Orangefield, Texas. Together, they enjoyed traveling, genealogy, and spending time with family and loved ones in their home. They were happily married for twenty-three years.
Those left to love and remember her are her children; Carla Shelton of Orange; Kelly Smith and his wife, Libby, of Weslaco; and Suzanne Reed and her husband, James, of Orangefield; step-daughter, Janice Miller of Groves; family friend, Maria “Cuca” Cantu; her sister-in-law, Suzanne Dokey of Niagara Falls, New York; grandchildren, James and Carolina Shelton, Becky Knott, Patrick Smith, Mary Smith, Zachary Smith, Kathleen Smith, TJ Reed, Chance Reed, Melissa and Josh Trim; and four great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
Fran is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wilbern Presswood; and her brother, Captain Herbert Dokey.
Fran never met a stranger. She loved to cook and her door was always open, and her wit and wisdom were renowned. She was just plain fun. Fran was a giving soul that made friends of strangers and family of friends.
A farewell service will be performed by Chaplain David Abshire at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7, 2013, at Fran’s home. This will be followed by a Celebration of Her Life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to National Audubon Society, Attention: Memorial Donation, 225 Varick Street, 7th floor, New York, New York 10014; www.audubon.org; or to a nature related cause of your choice.
The family wants to extend a very special thanks to all of the following, Port Arthur Home Health, Renal Ventures of Orange, New Century Hospice of Beaumont and Fran’s team, Henry, Priscilla, David, Ginny, Lura, Shannon, and most especially, Dr. John K. Badlissi.
