On February 4, 2024, Frances Jeanette Dial went home to be with the Lord at the age of ninety.
She was born on August 21, 1933, to Willie T. (Bud) and Orel Jones, in Helmic, Texas. Her family moved to Carmona, Texas when she was 5 years old. She attended Corrigan High School and was valedictorian of her graduating class in 1951. After high school Fran went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lamar University. After college she met the love of her life Leon Dial, and they married on July 26, 1958.
After marriage Fran moved to Houston with Leon, where she taught elementary school for a few years. They eventually formed Dial Electrical Controls in the late 1960's, where they worked together to build a very successful company. During this time, they raised their two loving daughters, Lydia and Lana, in the Spring Branch area of Houston. On Fran and Leon's wedding anniversary in 1976, their first grandchild was born. When Matt came into the world, he became the light of their lives, and she became Honey to all those that knew and loved her.
During her years living in Houston, she was an active member of the American Cancer Society, where she visited patients in hospitals and spoke to them about being a breast cancer survivor. Her Thursday night oil painting classes were another one of her passions. Even though they spent the week in Houston, they always traveled back to Groveton to spend their weekends at the farm. In the late 1980's Leon's dream of moving back to Groveton came true when they sold Dial Electric Controls.
After moving back to Groveton, Fran became a faithful member of the Groveton Church of Christ, and a member of the Groveton Easter Star Lodge #284. Another one of her true joys was singing with Robbie Bailey, Jean Raspberry, Billy Seamans and other at funerals and gospel singings. Her beautiful voice singing hymns was a true blessing from the Lord and a testament to her faith.
Seventeen years ago, Matt and Amber blessed her with her first great grandson, Reed, and five years later with her second, Rhett. Those two boys were the light of her life. Just like their dad, Matt, they loved spending time at Honey's house.
Fran was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and friend who exuded compassion and grace. She was kind, generous and loved the Lord. She taught her children to be good, honest, and most importantly Christians. She loved her children unconditionally and her love for her family will be everlasting.
Her home was always a welcoming place to others, she loved to cook delicious meals and desserts to share with all her guests. She instilled in her family the importance of caring for others and giving to others in times of need. She was the ultimate caregiver. When she and Leon moved back to Groveton in the 1980's all four of their parents were still living. She never wavered in her faithfulness of caring for all four of them and then her beloved, Leon.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Leon Dial. Her parents, Willie T. (Bud) and Orel Jones, and Leon's parents, Reed, and Tincie Dial.
She is survived by her two daughters. Lydia Dockens (Bob) and Lana Pattillo (Steven). A grandson, Matt Hawkins (Amber), great grandsons, Reed, and Rhett Hawkins. Granddaughters: Debbie Dockens (Arch Jones) and Sally Fazzino (Lee). Great granddaughters: Molly McCune, AnnaMarie Drymalla (Jeffrey), MaryFrances Malazzo (Jason), Rosemary Tovar (Matthew), Katherine Fazzino, Olivia Fazzino and four other great grandchildren. One sister, Darla Avery (Bill) and. niece, Kelly Avery. Along with numerous nieces, and cousins.
The Dial family would like to thank Groveton Nursing Home for their excellent care and love for our mother over the last four years and to the Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their care in her final days.
Death leaves a memory no one can heal. But love leaves a memory no one can steal. She will always be loved and missed dearly by her family and friends.
Friends and family are cordially invited to visitation at 1 pm on Saturday, February 10, 2024, with the funeral service to follow at 2 pm at the Cartwright Memorial Chapel of Groveton Funeral Home in Groveton, Texas with Dr. Keith Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Groveton, Texas.
Pallbearers: Reed Hawkins, Rhett Hawkins, Lindel Dial, Brint Dial, Vance Dial, Hayden Dial, Weston Dial, Brance Dial and John Brinkley.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Phillips and Due Foundation, P.O. Box 1352 Groveton, Texas 75845. Online Donation Link or any Trinity County FFA Buyers Committee.
Please share your memories with the family and sign our online guestbook @www.grovetonfuneralhome.com