Frances Mathis

1914 - 2021

Frances Davis Mathis

Frances Davis Mathis, 106, of Denton, met her Lord in His heaven on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

Frances was born near Sherman, Texas on October, 21, 1914, to Frank and Lillie Maud Tuttle. Her childhood and youth were spent on their Grayson county farm with her older brother Otis. Frances finished high school at the age of sixteen, and went on to college. She studied at Texas Women's College and the University of North Texas, completing a teaching certificate.

Mrs. Mathis returned to Sherman to teach in a one room school house. There she met Ralph M. Davis, a Navy veteran of WWI. Frances and Ralph began spending time together and married in May 1937, disregarding a fifteen year age gap. One year later she gave birth to twin girls, Annette and Jannette. The infants were born weeks early, and Jannette did not survive. Ralph loved the sea and moved the family to Houston, Texas, to begin his career in the merchant marines. In 1942, Ralph was commissioned into the Navy to serve during WWII. Frances and Annette followed Ralph from port to port, and coast to coast while he served aboard ship. After the war, Frances gave birth to a son, R. Michael Davis. The Davis family was very active at Park Place Baptist Church of Houston. Frances was an excellent cook and seamstress, sharing her talents with many in their church. Frances also played the piano and organ for some church events and guests in their home. Frances and Ralph retired to New Braunfels, Texas, where Ralph preceded her in death on September 27, 1975.

Frances was an impeccable dresser, often making her own clothes. This one fact caught the eye of a retired CPA, Joe Mathis. Frances and Joe were married in October, 1983 and spent their retirement years in Granbury, Texas. Joe and Frances traveled extensively, and kept their minds active by learning computer skills. Frances and Joe also grew beautiful flower and large vegetable gardens. As the years passed, they found a retirement community in Denton, Texas, Good Samaritan Village. The two moved to Denton in the spring of 1992. Mr. and Mrs. Mathis were active in the senior adult class at First Baptist Church, Denton. Joe preceded Frances in death on February, 6, 2011. Frances continued to be active at "Good Sam", often playing cards and drinking coffee with the girls.

Always devoted to her family, Frances continued to speak into the lives of her son, daughter, and grandchildren. Frances loved Jesus, and spread His love throughout her life. Frances is survived by daughter Annette Thomison, and husband Philip Thomison; son R. Michael Davis, and wife Cheryl Davis; Grandsons: Jim Savage, and wife Julie Savage; Michael Savage and wife Dana Savage; Step-grandsons, Travis Ford; Jonathan Ford, and wife Jackie Ford. Also seven great-grandchildren; Laura Savage; Michael Savage, Jr; John Savage; Thomas Savage; and Joshua Savage; Hannah Ford; Caitlyn Ford.

A memorial service with reception to follow, will be held October 9, 2021 at 2:30 PM at the Good Samaritan Village chapel.

Online condolences may be made at www.mulkeybowlesmontgomery.com