Frances Plank

Frances Wilson Plank began her journey back home on November 11, 2016. Reluctant to leave her earth bound family and loved ones, yet anxious to reunite with the ones who had gone before. She often spoke of her desire to walk the streets of gold with her "Savior".

Frances was born at home on June 19, 1926 to Vera B. Hill Wilson and William Bryant Wilson, in New Castle, Texas, a thriving coal mining town located near the Brazos River in Young County. She and her two sisters lived with their mother and maternal grandparents, Arron Luther Hill and Hattie Bell Hill, lovingly called "Mama and Papa" by the next three generations of children. The family attended the Missionary Baptist Church of New Castle where her paternal Grandfather Wilson was the pastor. Claiming to be "raised up by the seat of their pants and the Word of God", she and her sisters shared a common love and respect for their hard working mother and grandparents.

She met Bill Plank, the man she would spend her life with, for the first time in Graham, Texas on December 27, 1943 at the bus station. Frances was leaving Graham going to New Castle, and Bill was going to Wichita Falls. The busses were full of soldiers, and when the bus stalled out at the station everyone had to push start it to continue the trip. The next time they met was August, 1944, and they married on November 14, 1944. Bill and Frances were married 61 years and 10 months when he went to be with the Lord. In all those years, the children and grandchildren never heard them raise their voices to each other. They raised four children and assisted in raising many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Their home was always a shelter in the time of storm, forever willing to make sacrifices and offer comfort.

A member of Elmcrest Baptist Church and a resident of Abilene more than 50 years, Frances is survived by four children, Les Plank, Debi Doak, Patsy Teague and husband Lonnie and Richard Plank; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, great-grandparents; sisters Vera Rogers and Billie Wells; one grandchild and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Mom and Dad, you are sorely missed, but we'll see you soon…your loving family.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606