Frances Lee Cunningham Hensley, 50, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away at Bayside Community Hospital in Anahuac, Texas, September 14, 1995, of complications from scleroderma while en route to her home. Crawford Crim Funeral Home of Henderson, Texas, was in charge of arrangements, with burial at Lakewood Memorial Park in Henderson. A memorial service was also held later in Pensacola.
Frances was born January 4, 1945, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to Earl C. and Joy Torbett Cunningham. She was married to Lewis Lee Hensley III of Henderson on January 27, 1968, in Bryan, Texas. She is survived by her husband; their children, Lewis and Joy; and one sister, Darnelle Cunningham Morgan and her husband, Barry Morgan, of Hannibal, Missouri. Frances was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Lynne Cunningham and Jocelyn “Jody” Cunningham, all of whom were killed in a place crash in September, 1971.
Graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan in 1963, Frances went on to Baylor University, receiving her B.S. degree in 1967. She worked in Dallas for a short period before meeting her husband, a former football player for the University of Texas, who was a banker in Marlin, Texas. Frances taught school in Marlin for a couple of years before her children were born. They lived there until 1973, when they moved to Bryan into the Cunningham family home, and Lee established an insurance business. Frances delighted in being a homemaker and home schooled their children until they reached high school age. At that point, the family moved to Pensacola, Florida, so that their children could attend Pensacola Christian School, and Lee worked for a travel agency.
Frances loved the Lord and enjoyed serving Him as a discussion group leader in Bible Study Fellowship, International, for several years. She was known for her hospitality and used her cooking skills to minister to others. Her kitchen was the source of many blessings as she touched the lives of others and encouraged them in their spiritual growth.
Since her death, both of her children have married, and each has two children. Lewis Lee Hensley IV and wife June of Poulsbo, Washington, have Luke and Olivia. Joy Elizabeth Hensley Sollberger and husband Marc of Melbourne, Australia, have Christian and Francesca.
Keith German (Halsell)
Frances was a wonderful friend. She introduced me to Bible Study and was my first Bible Study Fellowship leader. She and her husband, Lee, were avid University of Texas fans and I remember their devoted interest in UT football games and UT ExStudent activities. Frances was the first person I knew who was interested in organic foods and she was a fantastic cook. She died too soon. I wish that she could be here today to help us celebrate our 50th reunion.
Charlotte Cole (Wilson)
Frances was a special girlfriend. I was always fascinated with her hair and I always thought that her handwriting was very interesting. She had a very unique family and lived in a truly, truly, truly modern home with unbelievable conveniences when compared to the 3 car garage that I used to live in. She was very positive and enthusiastic. I liked Frances. It's hard to accept that she died so young.
Charlotte Cole Wilson
Laura Jean Allen (Loving)
Frances lived in the same neighborhood as me during high school--so naturally, we shared the "carpool" for school. (so did Nancy Newton, Faye Alexander, Carolynn Carl, and Frances' sister Darnell). Frances was always the first one out the front door--with Darnell running behind, usually still dressing or eating a piece of toast!--Frances always had that "first" mentality--and worked diligently to stay there. She had the most dazzling smile, beautiful complexion, and sweet spirit--saw good in everything and everybody. A funny story--one night there was a car horn "honk" at the curb of Frances' house and she told her mother good-bye. Her mother said, who are you riding with and Frances replied "Keith". Her mother retorted, "No boy will ever honk at the curbside when they arrive to pick you up!" Of course Frances laughed as she explained that Keith was Keith German--a girl, not a boy! Frances learned the art of giving and sharing from her parents. The tragedy of the plane crash in Colorado (ending the lives of her parents and two youngest sisters) was so devastating, but Frances and Darnell were able to find peace. I learned of Frances' death shortly before the 2009 SFA '63 planning party. She is truly missed!
Bradley Smith
Frances and I started school together at A&M Consolidated in the first grade in 1951 and were both in school together in Consolidated or SFA from then on. She was one of the loveliest, sweetest girls I have ever known. Her family has suffered more than their share of tragedy with her untimely death and the plane crash that killed her parents and sisters.
When we were in the first grade she and my next door neighbor, Sherry Smith were crazy about horses and I remember them both prancing around the school yard at recess whinnying like a couple of young fillies. RIP my friend.