Frances Gann Mizell

Frances Gann Mizell, 92, a homemaker and community volunteer, passed away on Christmas Day, 2025, at Stevenson Oaks in Fort Worth, TX. Fran loved babies, crossword puzzles, stray dogs and Dan Jenkins novels.

Fran was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, 1933, in Springfield, MO, the only child of William O. Gann and Emma Eason Gann Spears. She attended Christian College in Columbia, MO and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1955 with a degree in journalism. Fran was a member of Chi Omega sorority and Gamma Alpha Chi, an honorary organization.

Her first job after college was in Houston where she fell in love with a Texan and with Texas. Fran worked in the newspaper and advertising business before and briefly after her marriage to William A. Mizell in 1956. Following the birth of their first child, she became a full-time homemaker. Her husband’s insurance career resulted in many moves for their growing family. They lived in Texas, Georgia, Connecticut, Georgia, Connecticut, Texas, California and Texas where she was always involved in her children’s activities and her church.

A resident of Fort Worth since 1985, Fran was an active member of First United Methodist Church and was a member and past president of the United Methodist Women. She served as a docent at the Amon Carter Museum, the Japanese Garden, and was a former member and past chairman of the National Docent Symposium Council. Fran served on the board of the Fort Worth Garden Club and was a member, past president, and long-time board member of the Fort Worth Botanical Society. She was also a member of the Fort Worth Lecture Foundation.

She was predeceased by her husband, William A. Mizell, her parents and her beloved stepfather, Roy F. Spears.

Survivors include daughter, Marilyn Falkenhagen of Fort Worth; son, John Mizell and wife, Brenda, of The Woodlands, TX; daughter, Melinda Kowalczuk and husband, George, of St. Francisville, LA; and daughter, Meredith Huey and husband, Danny, of Fulshear, TX; grandchildren, Brock Falkenhagen (Kristi), Bill Falkenhagen (Kim), Katherine Jackson (Doug), Ross Mizell (Margaret), Will Martin (Beth), Travis Martin (Anissa), and numerous great grandchildren. She also had many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren whom she loved.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the caregivers and nurses who cared for our mom at the end. A special thank you to Vivian Farmer, Candice Gray, Christian Davis, Lashell Templeton and Tera Leonard, and many others too numerous to name. You cared for our mom and you also cared for us.

The family will have a private graveside service in the spring.