Fran WALLAS

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!

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...