Frances Berniece Parris Wiginton

(November 9, 1917 ~ September 22, 2010)

Frances Berniece Parris Wiginton, daughter of Oliver Walker Parris and Frances Terra Curry, married to Doyle Emmerson Wiginton and buried in Files Valley Cemetery, Itasca, Hill County, Texas.

Frances Berniece Parris Wiginton entered this world November 9, 1917 and departed to be with her heavenly Father, September 22, 2010 at age 92. She was the child of Oliver Walker Parris and Frances Terra Parris born in Santa Anna, TX. In 1939 Berniece graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Vocational Home Economics. After graduation she began her lengthy teaching career in Itasca, TX where she met her life’s love, Doyle Emerson Wiginton. They married December 4, 1942 before Doyle left for World II.

During the War she worked for Consolidated as a supervisor and counselor for Rosie the Riveters in Ft. Worth. After the war they moved to Big Sandy, TX where she was a dedicated homemaking teacher in Hawkins and then Big Sandy for a total of 38 years. She loved her students, teaching three generations in Big Sandy, and encouraged them to set goals and reach their full potential in all areas of life. Her students excelled in state and national contests such as “Make it Yourself with Wool.” She was also a leader in Future Homemakers of America encouraging her students’ participation in local, regional and state activities. Several students went on to develop strong leadership skills by holding regional offices. Service in the education community was completed by three years on the Big Sandy School Board. She played an active role as Bible teacher and mentor at Big Sandy Church of Christ encouraging many students to become Christians.

The delights of her life were her two children and their families as well as an extended family of friends, students, and others she helped mold and shape by modeling the Christian values in which she strongly believed… God first, family and others second, and self last. Mamaw, as she was lovingly referred to by all, never lost her optimism, zest for life, and love of telling others about Christ. Mamaw was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Doyle Emerson Wiginton.

She is survived by her children: daughter, Frances Jane Edwards and husband Stan; son, James Doyle Wiginton & wife, Erma Lou; grandchildren Shea Edwards Constantikes and husband Jim; Tyler Jay Edwards; Jordan Todd Edwards and wife Whitney; Ryan Emerson Edwards and wife Ashley; Richard Doyle Wiginton and wife Melanie;Kathryn Ann Reynolds and husband, Brad; Vera Ranchinskaya (Wiginton)Pollard and husband, Parrish. Great –grandchildren are; Ashlyn Ray Wiginton, Carter Doyle Wiginton, Braden Ford Wiginton, Kingston Cavender Edwards, and Shelby Lou Reynolds, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Her family would like to thank her caregivers at Altria in Tyler and especially her wonderful Shay Ervin and Tasha Skillern.

A Celebration of Life will be 10:00 A.M, Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Big Sandy Church of Christ with viewing at 9:00 – 9:45 A.M. under the direction of Croley Funeral Home of Gilmer, Texas. A Private Graveside service will be held in Itasca Cemetery in Itasca, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Big Sandy Church of Christ Young Peoples Ministry, P.O. Box 705, Big Sandy, Texas 75755.