Eleanor Abney's Obituary
Frances Eleanor Abney, age 91, died peacefully at her residence at Buckner Westminster Place in Longview on October 31, 2022. Services will be held on Saturday, November 5 at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home, with visitation at 11:00 and the memorial service at noon. Graveside services will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery in Longview. Services are under the direction of Romnie Scott, Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church.
Eleanor was born on April 4, 1931 to Eloise and Jeff Wilson in Louann, Arkansas and later moved to Gladewater where she graduated from high school in 1949. Eleanor worked for many years for Dr. Willis Booth and was also a receptionist for Longview ISD. Active in community service organizations, she served as past president of both Beta Sigma Phi sorority and the Pilot Club. Eleanor was a dedicated volunteer for many years at Good Shepherd Hospital and was a devoted Reach to Recovery advocate, supporting countless breast cancer survivors. During their fourteen years in Mount Pleasant, Eleanor spent much of her time as an active volunteer, starting the Reach to Recovery program for Titus County. Along with her husband Toby, Eleanor was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Longview, as well as an active member of St. Andrews Methodist Church during their time in Mount Pleasant.
In her healthier years, Eleanor loved to be outdoors and took great pride in her yard, spending countless hours there. She was an outstanding cook and loved overloading the table with delicious food for family and friends. She especially loved to bake cakes and was famous for her scrumptious Hummingbird and Italian Cream cakes. Using her gift of hospitality, Eleanor found joy in baking countless cakes to give to family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling with Toby, taking many trips and making wonderful memories in every place they visited. Above all, Eleanor loved and treasured her husband Toby and spending time with her family, most especially her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her humble nature, warm smile, and her gentle and gracious spirit.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her first husband Tom Eaker and her sister Betty Rigney. She is survived by Toby Abney, her beloved husband of 45 years; sons Tommy Eaker (Priscilla), David Abney (Pam), Brian Abney (Melissa), and Tommy Ray Abney; grandchildren Ryan Eaker (Melissa), Andrew Eaker (Leiha), Austin Abney (Andrea), Cody Abney (Taylor), and Brooke and Blake Abney; great grandchildren Ava and Lela Eaker and Shane, Layla, and Owen Abney; sister Ernestine Sawyer and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, First United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:30-31
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