Frances "Fran" Elizabeth Hendrick

Fran passed peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on November 11, 2025. Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Beth Edwards; her brother, Carlton Edwards; and her precious daughter, Jennifer “Jenny” Hendrick. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Stephen Hendrick, of Mart, TX; her son, Matt Richardson and his wife, Julie, of Lorena, TX; daughter, Stephanie Morrison and her husband, R.D., of Magnolia, TX; and numerous other family members and friends. She was the proud “Glammy” to Brendan Leighman and wife, Mia of Georgia, and Harper and Jack Morrison of Magnolia, TX. Her grandkids were her world and brought her so much joy. She was an animal lover and was the mama of numerous kitties and dogs throughout the years.

Fran was truly a McLennan County girl! She was born and raised in Waco to parents, Jimmy and Beth Edwards on March 14, 1948 in Waco, TX. She attended Dean Highland Elementary and North Junior High until her eighth-grade year, when her father was transferred to the Dallas area. She graduated in 1966 from Richardson High School. She then attended Sam Houston State University where she began her studies in Criminal Justice. She married the love of her life, Stephen, on March 14, 1981. It was not until she was married, raising three children, and working fulltime, that she completed her B.S. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State. In addition to her parents, another great inspiration and hero in her life was her older brother Carlton, who she called “Bubba.”

Throughout the years, Fran held many positions in the Waco area, but after her graduation from Sam Houston, she joined the staff of McLennan County Adult Probation as a Community Supervision Officer from 1991 until her retirement in 2007. She also worked as probation officer in Brazoria County. Through the years, Fran received many certifications and continued her education through numerous conferences she attended yearly. Fran loved the classroom environment and deemed herself a “perpetual student.” After retirement, she went to work as Community Coordinator at Christian Women’s Job Corps and volunteered there for several years touching the lives of many women.

Fran was raised in a family where volunteerism and community service were a way of life, and she carried that torch forward. Giving back was part of her heritage, and Fran instilled in her children that same responsibility. Fran served as Secretary of the Central Texas Literacy Coalition, President of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) Volunteer Council – Mart Facility, Secretary for the TYC State Volunteer Resource Council, and Vice President of Programs for Newcomers and Neighbors. She was a member of various organizations including the Waco Rotary Club, Bellmead Lion’s Club, Altrusa International of Waco, McCulloch House/Historic Waco Foundation, and Women of Waco. She also enjoyed speaking to women’s groups at the Salvation Army. She was also a proud and active member of the Mart Panther Club. She is responsible for the Mart Panther flags flying around Mart today.

During the years when her children were growing up, Fran and Stephen coached T-Ball, which they knew absolutely nothing about, but they had fun and enjoyed the kids. She also enjoyed being a Brownie leader and loved working with the Mart PTA and Band Boosters. In the late 1980s, the kids in Mart named her “Frantic Fran” and she lived up to that name! She was the most passionate Mart Panthers fan, and she bled purple and gold. She was at every Mart football game and never missed a pep rally! She loved the Mart Community and was seen as the Purple Witch in Homecoming parades and the Easter Bunny on Good Friday.

Fran loved to read and was always surrounded by books. She was also the number one fan of the “Law and Order” and “Murder She Wrote” TV shows. One or the other were always playing in the background. She also enjoyed many adventures traveling with her cousins and friends. They called themselves “The Fruitcakes” and had so much fun together.

She spent many of her later years caring for various family members. Fran was selfless and gave so freely of her time and resources. She was a cheerleader for all those she knew and felt the pain of others deeply.

Most importantly, Fran was a woman of faith. Despite the many tragic losses she endured in her lifetime, she remained steadfast in her faith. She began each day with her several devotionals before doing anything else. Prayer was a very important part of her life and carried her through many difficult times. She often said, “I’ve never been mad at God.” She recently rejoined the First Baptist Church of Mart, where she was a member many years ago when her family first moved to Mart. She so enjoyed her time there and her friendships with the women there.

Fran, who lived life to the fullest, will be missed terribly by those who loved her, but there is peace knowing she is now resting with her Heavenly Father and is reunited with numerous friends and family members, especially her precious daughter, Jenny. In Fran’s own words she wrote several years ago after an especially hard year, “I feel blessed for what I have, for what I had, and for what I hope will be! Memories can never be taken away, and I look forward to a wonderful future! Praying for strength as we move forward as a family.”

A visitation will be held at OakCrest Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 19th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, November 20th at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with the burial following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations in Fran’s name: Pet Circle Regional Animal Center- 2032 Circle Rd. Waco, TX 76706, 254-754-1454 and/or Waco High School @Risk Youth, In c/o Ms. Gray Rogers- 2020 North 42nd St. Waco, TX 76710.