Frances (Fran) Roberson

SERVICES ARE DELAYED DUE TO CURRENT RESTRICTIONS AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED WHEN DECIDED

Frances Faye Glenn Roberson was born May 8, 1937 in Dallas Texas to parents Gladys Mayes and Claudius Augustus Glenn. She passed away peacefully on January 20, 2020 ( Martin Luther King Day ) at the age of 82 .

Frances’ formative years began in the Dallas Independent School District where she attended Julia C. Frazier Elementary School; Frazier Courts Projects in Dallas, TX. She went on to graduate from Lincoln High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1955. Frances continued her academic achievement as an undergraduate at Wiley College in Marshall, TX where she was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and finished top of her class in 1959 as Summa Cum Laude. This is also where she met her husband, Warnell Roberson, of 52 years.

She started her career in teaching and shaping young lives at C. F. Carr Elementary School from 1959 to 1964. She returned as an Alumnus to Lincoln High School where she accepted the position of Physical Education Teacher from 1964 to 1971. During her tenure at Lincoln, Frances taught every element of physical education where she focused on the principles of physical fitness, sports, dance, archery and more. Her spirited approach to physical education and her love for dance and choreography led to the creation of the award-winning, high stepping “Purple Flash” Drill Team (baton twirlers, and high jumping cheerleaders) of Lincoln High School. Lincoln was well known for its high-academic standards and sports program achievements, but now was becoming well known for its Marching Band and drill team thanks to her enthusiasm, creativity and sponsorship.

She not only made groundbreaking strides at Lincoln, but she was also instrumental in establishing the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. In 1965, Mrs. Dee Brock, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Sponsor, had the privilege to see Lincoln High School Cheerleaders’ performance and she enjoyed it immensely. Dee spoke with Frances about becoming the Choreographer and Co-Sponsor of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, who were at the time of inception, high school students. She was elated, accepted Dee’s offer and joined the Dallas Cowboy organization from 1965 – 1972. During that time, Frances had the opportunity and honor to see several of her Lincoln High School Cheerleaders perform on the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader squad at Super Bowl V and Super Bowl VI to cheer on the Dallas Cowboys.

Frances retired from education in 1971 and became a devoted stay-at-home Mom. Although she no longer made her living as an educator, she taught as a volunteer sharing her knowledge and expertise throughout the country. Her husband was a Vice President of Sales & Marketing for a major corporation which kept her family on the move from California to Michigan to Kentucky to Virginia. They eventually went back to Texas and settled in Plano.

It was in Virginia, where she took up golfing in her 40s. It became one of her favorite activities along with bowling, Mahjong and mentoring.
Twenty-eight years ago, she discovered Custer Road United Methodist Church in Plano. Here she found a new Family. These are the years she enjoyed spending time with her young grandchildren and volunteering for many causes through her Church. She remained an active member of her Positive Thinkers Sunday school class all the way up to her last days of life.

Most who knew her will miss: her dancing spirit, her longing to be a star, her eye-catching outfits, her warm hugs and big heart. But especially, we will all remember her unmatched passion for the Dallas Cowboys!

Fran was pre-deceased by her husband Warnell Roberson in 2015. She is survived by her two sons, Ricki L. Roberson, (Spouse – Tricia Senft) and Donri C. Roberson, (Spouse – Darcquise Lavergne), four grandchildren – Austin Roberson Senft, Hunter Roberson Senft, Kaescha Roberson, Michel Lavergne, Four great grandchildren – Kaehson Nathan, Zyriah Franco, Kehlani Franco and Dante Franco; Siblings –  Joyce Homeyer, Frank Oliver (deceased), Toni Price, Patti Swinson, Cherri Darthard, Vicki Wyatt, and Albert C. Black Jr. She is survived by 16 nieces and nephews.

We will forever celebrate her love of life.

A memorial service to celebrate Fran's life will be announced at a later date.  Custer Road United Methodist Church with Pastor, Kory Knott officiating.

If desired, Fran requested donations in her name to be to given to Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano, Texas 75023.