Frances Marie (Black) Gardner

Frances Marie (Black) Gardner was born on December 18, 1935, to McKinley Black and Dillie Bell (Phillips) Black in Austin, Texas. She transitioned to eternity with her Lord and Savior on January 14, 2026, in Richardson, Texas. 

Frances graduated from Anderson High School in Austin. She went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Prairie View A&M University. She also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Hartnell College - Salinas, her Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of California - San Francisco, and her Advanced Nurse Practitioner Certification from the Western School. She enjoyed a career as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, working for Dallas County Health and Human Services and the University of California in San Francisco. After many years of service, she retired in 2009.

Frances proudly served her country, enlisting in the United States Army in 1956. After serving four years, she was honorably discharged. 

Affectionately regarded as "Fran", "Grushinga", and "Lucy", Frances confessed her faith in Jesus Christ. She was under watchcare at Grace Word Fellowship and Heaven's Journey Fellowship, where her daughter and son-in-law serve as pastors.

Frances had many hobbies. She delighted in music, singing, reading, traveling, game shows, word finds, and crossword puzzles. She also had many accomplishments, notably becoming an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, which gave her the platform to teach under-resourced communities about their healthcare needs and options. She was also proud to see her family do well in life. 

Frances will be fondly remembered for her humor, wisdom, strength, and beauty. Her loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Frances was preceded in death by her father, McKinley Black; mother, Dillie Bell (Phillips) Black; and granddaughter, Brittney Swanson

Those left to cherish lasting memories include her sisters, Jacquline Eastland and Nina Faye Miller; her daughters, Allenda Simpson, Sherilynn Gardner, Pamela Banks, and Adrienne Brown (Jeffery); her grandchildren, Parrish Fisher, Adam Fisher, Tiara Banks, Carrington Brown, and Leeland Brown; her great-grandchildren, Jaydan Banks-Spencer, Ava Fisher, and Koa Fisher; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  

Frances Marie (Black) Gardner Service Program

All are welcome to join us on this memorial page at 1 PM on FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026,

as we celebrate the life of our beloved Frances. Click the link below:
Celebration of Life for Frances Marie (Black) Gardner
 

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