Frances Ann Etter's Obituary
Frances Ann Tatum Etter, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Longview, Texas, at the age of 93. Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas on December 2, 1931, Frances was the daughter of Harry and Flavious Tatum.
A proud Lobo, Frances was a member of the Longview High School Class of 1949. She went on to graduate with honors from Kilgore College and Stephen F. Austin State University. Throughout her life, Frances combined her love of learning, compassion, creativity and dedication in every endeavor. She served as executive assistant to both Mayor Foster T. Bean of Kilgore and renowned inventor and entrepreneur R.G. LeTourneau.
Frances was a passionate advocate for animal welfare. In 1970, she became the founding president of the Gregg County Humane Society, which continues today as the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center. She was a longtime member of the Longview Kennel Society and the Longview Garden League, further demonstrating her love for animals and nature. Her love for the arts also found expression through her many years as an active member of the Longview Community Theater.
A lifelong member of First Methodist Church in Longview, Frances's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She sang in the Chancel Choir for many years, sharing the choir loft with her grandmother, mother, and daughter—a family tradition she deeply cherished.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Lewis Etter Jr. and her grandson, Matthew Thiessen. She is survived by her son, Bradley Dale Etter and his wife Kay Etter; and her daughter, Evelyn (Lyn) Denise Etter Thiessen and her husband Bill Thiessen. Frances was the proud grandmother of Merideth Etter Hines, Stephanie Etter Adams, Ray Etter, Steven Etter, Christina Thiessen Pickel, Tori Thiessen Chambers, and Deborah Thiessen Mosciano. She was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren.
Frances's life was marked by strength, wisdom and enduring love. Her love and legacy will be remembered by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home on May 17 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a chapel service at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to First Methodist Church or the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center in Frances’s memory.
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