Frances Thurman

Frances Berry Thurman

September 5, 1937 – April 9, 2026

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Frances “Miney” Thurman fulfilled her life as a faithful servant of the Lord on April 9, 2026, at the age of 88 – a life well done. As a dear friend once said, “she raised us,” and Frances would have said she could raise others because the Lord first raised her. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor, prayer warrior, and friend with a big, beautiful heart.

Raised in a loving Christian home in Beaumont, Texas, Frances graduated from Lamar University, where she met and married the love of her life, Richard Thurman. Together they shared fifty-nine years of marriage rooted in faith, family, and service. Frances dedicated much of her life to education, teaching in South Dakota and California before continuing her work in El Paso schools and serving on the El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees. She generously gave her time and leadership to organizations including the Junior League of El Paso, YWCA, Girls Club, Festival Theater, Symphony Guild, Baptist Women, and many others.

While her accomplishments were many, the roles she treasured most were those within her family and church life. Nothing brought Frances greater joy than being her family and friends’ biggest cheerleader and prayer warrior. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate and champion the people she loved, whether they were nearby or across the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside Richard, Frances faithfully served First Baptist Church for many years, including directing the Young Married Department and mentoring generations of couples and families through their example of faith and love.

Frances was known for her quiet strength, steadfast faith, and servant’s heart. Whether through a handwritten note, a thoughtful prayer, or simply showing up when someone needed her, she made others feel deeply loved and left a lasting impact on countless lives. She loved cheering on her favorite sports teams and, deeply patriotic, spent countless hours writing thoughtful letters advocating for the people, places, and causes she believed in.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Thurman, with whom she is now joyfully reunited in Heaven. She is survived by her “joys”: daughter and son-in-love, Laura and Rusty Schwartz; granddaughter, Maddy Schwartz; and many cherished family members and lifelong friends.

The family wishes to thank all those who loved and cared for Frances throughout her life. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Private Interment will be held at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home – West – 480 N. Resler Dr. Please visit our online registry at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net/