Frances Shell

Mary Frances Whatley Shell of Florence, Texas was born in Fort Worth, Texas on June 17, 1933, to Reuben and Lucille Whatley and was called home by her Lord and Savior on July 15th, 2024, after a brave battle with cancer. She was the firstborn of her family, followed by siblings Lynda, Warren, Dorothy, Richard, and Charles.
Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Walter Sidney Shell; parents, Reuben and Lucille (Pratt) Whatley; and brother, Warren Whatley.
She is survived by her four children: Mike Shell of Tivoli, Texas; Kathy Voss (husband Dan) of Jarrell, Texas; Charles Shell (wife Cheryl) of Georgetown, Texas; and Wayne Shell (wife Susan) of Nevada, Texas. Her legacy continues with her grandchildren Matthew (wife Cassandra), Courtney (husband Will), Kyle (wife Bailey), Sarah, Christi (husband Brian), Andrew, Kevin (wife Serena), and Stephanie (husband Hanook). She was also blessed with great grandchildren Emory, Sidney, Lizzie, Reagan, Solomon, Kaitlyn, Brighton, Lily, Evelyn, Jenna, and Trevor along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Sidney and Frances were married December 3, 1955, in Port Lavaca, Texas where Frances spent most of her childhood on the family farm. Shortly afterward they moved to the Georgetown area, happy to join Sidney's family and their longstanding history of ranching since settling in Williamson County before it was established. Frances attended the University of Texas in Austin before marriage and later received her teaching certification from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. For more than 20 years she loved sharing how to apply science in her students' daily lives as a physical science teacher at Georgetown High School. She and Sidney engaged in cattle and goat ranching, their shared passion, their entire lives. She was known for nursing sick and weak animals back to health, even animals that others would have given up for dead.
Frances was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Jarrell and faithfully attended Community Bible Study for many years. She enjoyed furthering her knowledge of science, history, animal health, family history and other topics. Family history was important to Frances. Her diligent research and efforts were integral to obtaining a historical marker placed in San Gabriel Park commemorating its establishment. She faithfully attended the Williams, Edwards, Shell, and Pratt Family Reunions and also provided many years of service on the Berry Creek Cemetery Association.
Frances was a loving and faithful wife, beloved mother, doting Mimi, and wonderful friend to many. She exhibited integrity and work ethic that were uncommonly strong even amongst peers in her generation. Her hard work and thrift were matched only by her love and generosity. She will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held July 26, 2024, from 5-7pm at Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas. Funeral services will also be held at Ramsey Funeral Home on July 27, 2024, at 10am with Pastor Max Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at the Berry Creek Cemetery, 950 SH-195N, Georgetown, Texas.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Matthew and Kyle Voss, Andrew and Kevin Shell, and her grandsons-in-law: Brian Boyles, Hanook Masih and Will Zumalt.
The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the Equine-Assisted Therapy program at the Ride on Center for Kids (ROCK) and the devoted caregivers from the HelpGivers and Comfort Keepers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berry Creek Cemetery Association, c/o Linda Salyer, 4401 CR 239, Georgetown, TX 78633 or to the ROCK (equine-assisted services to children, adults, and veterans) at 2050 Rockride Ln, Georgetown, TX 78626, https://rockride.org.