Francine Meyer

1947 - 2021

Francine Furlow Meyer
1947-2021
Francine Furlow Meyer died at home on September 18, 2021 from complications of breast cancer. She was a fourth-generation Houstonian born on May 27, 1947, to Mary Joyce Johnson and Caston Frank Furlow. Francine and her little brother, Pete, grew up with their parents in Houston's Timbergrove neighborhood. A life-long member of the United Methodist Church, she was baptized at Collins UMC in the Heights. She attended Love Elementary School, Hamilton Junior High School, Heights High School (formerly Reagan High School), Southwestern University, and Southern Methodist University. At Southwestern, she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity, an organization that was dear to her throughout her life.
While in drama class at Southwestern, Francine met Jonathan Lee Thrasher. Following graduation, the two married and moved to Dallas so Jon could attend seminary at SMU. Francine served as a preacher's wife at three United Methodist churches in Houston; Bering, Fairhaven, and Oakwood where they welcomed their two daughters, Andrea and Courtney.
Francine returned to Bering UMC as a single mom with her two young girls. Soon, she met Gary Lynn Meyer and his son, Philip. As the story goes, Gary was instructed to take his young son to church. He decided on the church across the street, Bering UMC. After the two dated for a couple of years, Francine had her girls perform Gypsy's "If Mama Was Married" in the church talent show. The rest, as they say, is history.
Francine and Gary's blended family immediately expanded when their son, Cass, was born less than two years after they married. The two loved their family, traveling, visiting Gary's family in Iowa, doting on their grandchildren, attending events with the Rotary Club of the Houston Heights, sailing, attending church at St. Luke's UMC, pool parties, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, visiting with dear neighbors, and holidays. Holidays were magical and spirited events in the Meyer home, especially Christmas Eve. Every day was Easter in Francine's home with bunnies for every occasion and in every corner of the house. She was surrounded by the things she loved until her last day.
For almost 40 years, Francine and Gary lived in Candlelight Plaza where they were members of the civic association. Francine followed in her dad's footsteps as an active member of the Special Children's Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for 30+ years. She was a devoted member of the Houston Alumnae Association of Zeta Tau Alpha where she received the Lone Star Award in 2012 and served as President in 2012-2013. In 2016, she received the White Violet pin, signifying 50 years in Zeta Tau Alpha. Over the last six years, she enjoyed volunteering with the Houston Junior Forum. Her water aerobics class at the Dad's Club was a highlight for years. No matter where she went, Francine made life-long friends that will miss her dearly.
Francine held several jobs throughout her life including English and speech teacher, working for beloved Houston pediatrician, Dr. Laura Bickel, and at Biggers Printing Company. When Biggers was sold, she stayed on as comptroller of Brandt & Lawson Printing Company for many years. Later, Francine attended Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and worked for its director in Houston. She received her Master's of Divinity and ministered at several churches including Corrigan UMC and Westbury UMC. Later, she completed the chaplaincy program at Memorial Hermann Hospital and served in that capacity until several months before her death.
Francine is preceded in death by her husband, Gary Lynn Meyer, parents, Mary Joyce and C. F. Furlow, and her little brother, Peter Johnson Furlow. She is survived by her daughter, Andrea Thrasher Steves, and her husband, Commander Frederick Benteen Steves, Jr. (Ben) of Bethesda, MD; her daughter, Mary Courtney Thrasher of Houston, TX; her son, Philip Andrew Culver Meyer, and his wife, Carine Chehab Meyer, of Houston, TX; and her son, Norman Caston Meyer of Austin, TX. Her seven grandchildren thought she was so special, she answered to both Grandmother and Nana. Francine loved them all with her whole heart. She is also survived by grandchildren Frederick Benteen Steves III (Trey), Andrew Thompson Steves and Jackson Fuller Steves of Bethesda, MD; Mary Ellen Whyte and Finn Edward Whyte of Houston, TX; Dean Culver Meyer of Houston, TX; and Caston Scott Meyer of Austin, TX.
A private burial was held late last month at Glenwood Cemetery. There will be a Memorial Service for friends and family to celebrate Francine's life at a future time. Please consider a donation in Francine's honor to Houston Alumnae Association, 7010 Pinefern Lane, Spring TX 77379, or their THINK PINK breast cancer partnership with the American Cancer Society www.ztahouston.org/donate.