Fran WALLAS Obituary

WALLAS, FranLoving and supportive mom to David, Adam and Rebecca; "Granny Franny" to Kevin, Jake, Lucy, Joshua, River and Stella; and true friend to many, far and wide. She was an environmental conservationist, avid hiker, supporter of people, parks, trails, and rivers, and a much loved Wild Aster. She passed away peacefully on Oct. 20th, 2010 from complications sustained in a fall. A Memorial Gathering is planned for Saturday, Nov. 6th, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., 150 - 3rd Ave. South, 7th floor, to share stories and memories of a woman who touched so many peoples' lives. In lieu of flowers/gifts, please make a donation in her name to Cumberland Trails Conference, 409 Thurman Ave., Suite 102, Crossville, TN 38555.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Tennessean from Oct. 30 to Oct. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Fran WALLAS

Sponsored by The Wallas Family.

8 Entries

Valya Mobley

May 28, 2024

I looked her up today after following her precise instructions for a Black Mountain hike outside of Crossville, TN. I had no idea how long I had kept her write-up, or that she had passed away, but she was with me in spirit on my beautiful hike today!

Joyce Hoyle

November 21, 2010

I miss my friend, FRAN...
We had so many good times with work travel and fun trips. One favorite trip was the 2 months we traveled to New Zealand and Australia. In Cairns at the Great Barrier Reef she loved the plate size spiders and other outdoor criters, while I freaked out... In New Zeland she could not handle the butterfies, a little secret I did not know, but she let me enjoy them while she had a spot of tea. We had lots of differences, but in many ways like sisters.
We both enjoyed events such as the Sydner Opera House and a littel glass of wine hit the spot.

However, Fran preferred the outdoors.

It is for sure that we did not always agree at work, but there was not another staff member that provided more assistance, care and knowledge.
With all the years of her touch on reports, docunments and letters, she will provide her talents and passion forever.

Kim Kirk

November 19, 2010

I miss Fran every day. When I came to the Department of Environment and Conservation Fran was my supervisor. She trained me in how to work with the Department. She was here when I arrived and here when I went home at night. I've never known so much energy and determination to make things happen.

We worked in a building that was under construction, and that is when I learned her prankster side. The hallway was full of discards, including a couch. As people came off the elevators they used the couch as their compass for whether to turn left or right on leaving the elevator. I kept getting confused whether to go right or left. I found out why, when Fran asked me to help her move the couch from one side of the hall to the other. She had been tripping us up all along.

There was an attempt at security in that building, but with contractors coming and going along with the state employees, there was little that they could do. Fran signed in under a different name every day, and she never signed out.

Fran was game for any adventure. She was fearless. She was so petite, but such a big presence. We went to a ranger training program and while I was headed to bed, she was going out to do night time rapeling.

Fran never doubted that she could make a difference in the world, and she did so in so many ways. During her illness Park Mangers and Park Rangers across the State stood ready to help in any way they could, along with an army of friends and colleagues.

Grannie Frannie felt great love and pride in her children and grandchildren, and they exemplify so much of what Fran treasured in life.

It is my honor to be her friend.

Great Fun with Fran doing she loved.

Joyce Hoyle

November 17, 2010

November 5, 2010

I have gotten to know Ms. Fran over the last several years while involved with the Friends of Big Cypress and the State Parks. She was always kind and gracious when we would see and talk to each other. She was always refreshing to talk to. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Carey A. Sanders - Pres. of Friends of Big Cypress - Greenfield, TN.

Devin Wells

November 3, 2010

It is difficult for me to start each day without Fran being here. Our offices were next to each other and each day started with her smiling face saying "Good Morning Dev!" and asking about my family and 7 year old son. We never talked about work! I enjoyed hearing about her own family and have thorougly enjoyed meeting you all and getting to know you better. Because you are all just like Fran! You are all what I would expect her children to be like.

My favorite memories of Fran are when I would bring my son to the office and she would drop everything and play with him. And it didn't matter how long he stayed! She would teach him about nature and let him play with all the little frogs that she collected. Also, when I took her to her first Titans game and she yelled as loud as anyone in the section!

I'm glad that we will never have to see her retire, or be in a nursing home, or be less active. That would not be Fran. I cannot even begin to understand your loss but I thank God for the privilege of having known her and being able to call her my friend.

October 31, 2010

We've known Fran since grade school (for Jerry) and since 8th grade (for Harriet). We have so many wonderful memories of sleep - overs at Fran's house, with her parents smiling no matter how silly we got, of watching her incredible athletic abilities, of how staunch she was in her beliefs, even as a young girl, willing to risk peer disapproval to stand up for what she thought was right. We got married the same summer as Fran and Charlie and later all lived in Washington D.C. We vividly remember Fran cheerfully, maybe proudly, recounting David and Adam's early exploits, such as stuffing bread in the gas tank of their car or decorating the sofas with marker.
During our recent visit with her in August, Fran expressed so much pride in David, Adam, and Becky and so much joy in her grandchildren. We had a great evening together, and Fran seemed unchanged by time. We really can't imagine a world without Fran and can almost feel how diminished the energy of the world is without her. Jerry and Harriet Lander ([email protected])

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