EVANGELINE FRANKS WILLIAMS

1933-2021

After 88 years with beloved family and friends, Evangeline Franks Williams went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, the 29th of September 2021.

She was born on August 8, 1933 in Stockman, Texas, the oldest child of John Thomas “Hoy” and Adele Powdrill Franks. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Reverend Raye Williams, her brother, Richard Franks, and her daughter, Ramecia Hair. She is survived by her children: sons, George Keith Williams and wife

Nora, John Williams and wife Darcy, and William Hair; and daughter, Melissa Raye Williams and husband Jose Ocasio. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stephanie Williams, Mark Williams and Jason Hair, her sister Mary Magness and brother Steve Franks and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Timpson High School, she enrolled in Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, where she and Raye began their courtship and later married. Their first child was born while Raye was a school superintendent. After the birth of their second child, Raye accepted the call to the ministry, and Evangeline took on the demanding role of a minister’s wife. After Raye’s death, she worked for the Houston East District of the Methodist Church for 19 years.

Everyone remembers Evangeline’s hospitality. Evangeline was a gracious hostess, and loved hosting elegant Sunday, birthday and holiday dinners with extended family and guests, including frequent last-minute invitations extended by Raye. She always made sure everyone, including friends and neighbors had their favorite dessert on holidays and birthdays.

Evangeline enjoyed spending time with her dear family and lifelong friends. She enjoyed sports and was a devoted Cowboys and Astros fan. She loved participating in competitive games, especially forty two (which she usually won). She also loved music and was a church choir member for many years. She was encouraging and supportive, a very loving and caring mother, wife, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is to be conducted at 10 o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 16th of September at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, in Houston where Pastor Jim Welch and Reverend Cliff Ritter will officiate. The service will be able to be viewed at https://www.stlukesmethodist.org/evangeline-williams/. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Hines Baker reception room.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to The Texas Methodist Foundation, referencing the Raye and Evangeline Williams Scholarship Fund # 42010, 11709 Boulder Lane, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78726.