Frances Coker Carr departed this life the evening of Wednesday, August 5, 2020, in Tyler following a brief illness.

Fran, as she was known by friends and family, was born in Naples, Texas on May 25, 1926, to Ennis Lee Coker and Verna Cornelia Jenkins. After graduating Naples High School, she lived in California before returning to Texas. She lived in Port Arthur for 20 years and for the past 34 years in Tyler.

She is survived by her daughters, Candace Howell of Beaumont, Carol Owens and husband George of Bullard, and Gayle Steiner of Tyler. Other survivors include her grandchildren, Lt. Col. James Carr Howell and wife Stephanie, Christopher Howell and wife Anna-Kristian, Kristin Williams and husband Justin, Jason Boyd and wife Laura, Colin Marsh, Shane Steiner, Kylie Steiner; a niece, Lisa Hott Stockard, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Fran was a longtime member of Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler where she sang in the choir for 14 years. Fran was a realtor and generously gave her time serving the community. She volunteered with the “Welcome Home Soldiers” of Tyler, was an American Heart Association board member, where she also helped organize the Heart Walk and Heart Ball. Fran volunteered with the American Red Cross, was a Tyler Community Concert Association board member, a Newcomers Club of Tyler board member, and served the Tyler Board of Realtors, Tyler Area Senior Citizens Association (TASCA), East Texas Symphony League, and Tyler Chamber of Commerce.

Spending time with her beloved great-grandchildren gave “Mimi” the greatest joy during her last years. Holiday celebrations, birthdays or any hours spent with “her babies” were precious gifts she treasured.

Her family wishes to express their gratitude to her wonderful caregivers and sends a special thank you to Rev. Gerry Giles for his love and support during the last several years. Fran cherished her church and family.

A family graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 9:30am, at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery with Rev. Giles officiating.

If desired, in lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Marvin United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County.