Frances Satterwhite's Obituary
Margaret Frances Tidwell Satterwhite
April 13, 1919 – February 17, 2015
Frances Tidwell was born in Winfield, Titus County, Texas to Jim and
Zora Brown Tidwell. Very soon they moved to the Texas Panhandle.
The daughter of cotton farmers, Frances grew up quickly, working hard
as a field hand alongside her father.
At age 12 her mother died, leaving her responsible for the home. At
12 she was also a mule skinner, responsible for her own team of four
mules. She was an outstanding student who also excelled in sports.
Frances graduated high school at age 15 and at 19 graduated from West
Texas State Teacher’s College in Canyon, Texas. From a small child, she
had always dreamed of being a teacher and was one by age 20, where
she met her future husband, her principal, Nolon Satterwhite, from
Diana, Texas.
During the war years, she taught while Nolon worked supporting the
war effort as a security guard at a munitions plant. First child, Sandra,
was born in Texarkana, Texas and then the family moved to
Orange, where he worked in the shipyards, and Frances taught.
After the war they moved to Marshall where she taught at Van Zandt
Elementary. They then moved to Judson where son, Sam, was born in
1951. Frances taught at Judson Middle School for 34 years being named
LISD Teacher of the Year in 1976. After the death of her husband in
1981 and retiring in 1986, she traveled extensively and loved watching
her grandchildren and great children grow up. She also was a partner in
the family cattle business.
She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Judson, where she
taught the same Sunday School Class for 50 years. Frances took the
adversities of life in stride, never complaining about anything. She was
an amazing cook, artist, and mentor.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers,
and a sister. Frances is survived by daughter, Sandra and husband
Vernon Stanley; son, Sam Satterwhite and wife Travonda; sister, Sue
Boehning; sister-in-law, Vada King; grandchildren Clay and wife, Angela
Stanley; Monty and wife, Alice Stanley; Sherry and husband, Jon Hillis;
Christi and husband, Alan Amos; Nick and wife, Kelley Satterwhite;
and Lindsey Satterwhite. Great grandchildren Cole and Harper Stanley;
Lane, Clay “Tato”, and Lee Stanley; Reagan and Blake Hillis; Porter and
Tate Satterwhite; and Cason Amos.
She leaves numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends and
former students.
The family especially appreciates the love and constant care given by
Marie Powell, Pam Watson, Jennifer Leuschner, and Gertrude Duncan.
Enough good cannot be said about Heart’sWay Hospice, and especially
Staci Griffith, RN; Aleshia Fatherree, LVN; and Phillip Hodson, Chaplain.
What’s your fondest memory of Frances?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frances?
Share a story where Frances' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frances you’ll never forget.
How did Frances make you smile?
