Frances Chapmen Warren

The heavenly choir welcomed a new accompanist today with the passing of Frances Jeanette Chapman Warren on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum. Frances, 92, leaves us with memories of boogie woogie played happily on the piano, hymns of praise played joyfully on the organ, love songs played sweetly at weddings, and musical words of comfort played gently at funerals. Born in Hewitt, Texas, on Aug. 24, 1924, Frances was the third child and only daughter of Glenn and Clara Chapman who preceded her in death. Two older brothers, Robert Daniel and Willis Brown Chapman and their wives, Evelyn and Dorothy, respectively, also preceded her in death. Her husband, Robert A. Warren and her son, Glenn David Warren also preceded her in death. Frances virtually grew up on the piano bench sharing her musical gift. At the age of nine she became the pianist and later organist for Hewitt United Methodist Church, a calling she faithfully fulfilled for more than fifty years. Her music touched so many, playing for Sunday services, special church and civic programs, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Frances met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Warren in the first grade. They dated in high school where she was a cheerleader while he played football, and where she graduated as her class valedictorian. She graduated from Baylor University in 1946 with a BA in Business. She and Robert married in 1947 after his return from service in the Philippines during World War II. They began their married life in Waco with Bob beginning a long career with Southwestern Bell Telephone. They would have two children, Linda and Glenn, and a number of beloved dachshunds. They were active in the Karen Shrine Temple, Optimist Clubs, and various other organizations. Frances taught piano from her home for many years and guided many an aspiring musician from those first one-handed melodies to full-fledged compositions and through the yearly recitals. Bob and Frances loved to go to dances, picnics and parties, loved to travel with friends, and loved good food. For 37 years they shared all those good times, the joy of children and weathered the darker times together. When Bob died suddenly in 1983, Frances gathered her inner strength and optimism and went on to travel all over the United States and share in the lives of her beloved children and grandchildren. Frances was a devoted wife and loving partner, full of laughter, with a rich sense of humor and a fierce loyalty to family and friends. She never missed sending birthday cards, anniversary cards, cards of encouragement, and get-well cards to everyone. She was always visiting folks in the hospital or nursing homes. If she knew you or not, she liked you and wished only the best for you. She was a wonderful mother, patient and soft-spoken, quick to volunteer for PTA activities, tolerant of passing fads, and ever present at any activity featuring her children. As a Grandma, she excelled-famous for Dr. Pepper floats, big breakfasts, gigantic piles of Christmas presents, and unlimited love. Frances is survived by her daughter, Linda Turner and husband, Tommy, of Georgetown; daughter-in-law Susan Warren, widow of Glenn Warren of Hockley; five grandchildren, Jennifer Frances Denton and husband, Stephen of Bayonne, New Jersey, Matthew Thomas Turner and fiancé, Melissa Weissert of Omaha and Richmond, James Warren, and wife, Nicole, of Hockley, Robert Warren and wife, Teresa, of Hockley, Richard Warren of Hockley; nine great-grandchildren, Olivia Grace, Addison Faith, Julie Hope Denton, Katelynn Renna, James David, Jordan Richard, Jasper Russell, Payton Miles and Kaiden Christopher Warren; great-niece, Evelyn Aucoin; and several cousins. The family wished to thank the caregivers from Ridgecrest in Waco, Sterling House in Georgetown, and Wesleyan at Scenic, The Cottages, and the loving Resolutions Hospice team led by Daniel and Larry and Rev. Mel, who have lovingly cared for her. Frances loved family, friends, flowers, dogs, redbirds, music, the Hewitt United Methodist Church and the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals. The family requests that those who wish to give memorials consider causes for any of the above. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.