Altha Marie Weeks

Altha Marie was born on August 7, 1927, to Emily and Dewey Wallace of Port Arthur, Texas.  Their family moved in 1929 to Nederland, which became Altha’s life-long home.  She was seen from a young age playing outside (and inside) Nederland’s small telephone office on 12th Street, where her mother was managing operator.  Altha was known for her bubbly personality, twinkling eyes, infectious laugh, and tender heart.  She loved people, and never seemed to meet a stranger.  She always had a multitude of pets and a love for animals that lasted her entire life.  Stray pets always seemed to know to show up on her doorstep.  Gifted with a beautiful voice, and a talent for dance, Altha won numerous talent competitions during her teenage years.  She was voted football maid (similar to homecoming duchess) each year in high school.  She operated Wallace School of Dance in three locations in the Mid County area.  Teaching young children to dance brought her great joy.

In 1946, she married the love of her life, William A. Weeks, and poured her energies into building their life together.  They raised their only child, Darlyne, with great love and care.  Altha was known for her devotion to her family and total selflessness in meeting their needs.  This continued in her relationship with her son-in-law, Russell (whom she considered her son—not just an in-law), five grandchildren, their spouses, and her twelve great grandchildren.

Altha had a close walk with her Lord, and was eager to share His love with anyone she met.  Yielded to His Holy Spirit, she walked in compassion, forgiveness and His Righteousness and continually encouraged her family to do the same.  She gave all glory to Jesus and pointed others to Him.  Though she faced many physical challenges and much pain, God strengthened her, and enabled her to maintain a joyful attitude, showing more concern for others than for herself.  She remained assured of God’s provision for her and of His sovereignty in her life.  Named “Sunshine Memaw” by her many babies, her love warmed the hearts of a multitude of family and friends. 

Altha Marie was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Weeks; her mother, Emily Wallace; and her father, George Dewey Wallace.  She is survived by her daughter, Darlyne Marie Franke; her son-in-law, Russell E. Franke; five grandchildren, William R. Franke of Pearland, Lisa M. Franke Gonzalez and her husband Josh of Nederland, Shayna G. Franke LaBarge and her husband Zachary of Nederland, Beth Anne Franke Shirley and her husband Kris of Pearland, and Seth D. Franke and his wife Dana of Nederland; great grandchildren, Alex and Andrew Franke, Jaython, Joey, and Jada Gonzalez, Caylin Lyons, Hunter, Harleigh, and Hennasey LaBarge, Triston and Phoenix Shirley, and Jacob Faulk; sister-in-law, Ruthie Rasberry and her husband W. C.; as well as a host of others that call her “Sunshine Memaw”.  She is also survived by her cousin, who is more like her sister, Joyce Lowery of Etoile, Texas, along with her husband, Keith and their family. 

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3324 Park Drive, Nederland followed by burial at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches under the the direction of Broussard’s, 505 12th Street, Nederland.  Serving  as pallbearers will be William Franke, Seth Franke, Zachary LaBarge, Kris Shirley, Josh Lyons, Keith Lowery, and Ray Herrera. Gathering of family and friends will be 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3324 Park Drive, Nederland, Texas 77627 or Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704.