Frances Elizabeth Straughn

Frances Elizabeth Straughn was born on September 24, 1937, to Elmo “Shucks” and Dora Mae Straughn in Wilson, Oklahoma. She attended Wilson schools, graduating in 1955, and went on to earn a degree in Business Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant in 1959, where she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority. Known for her remarkable dedication, she never missed a single day of school from kindergarten through college, a point of personal pride that shaped her lifelong work ethic.

After initially planning a career in education, Frances changed course during a visit to a relative at a bank in Ardmore, where she was offered a position. She embraced the opportunity and built a distinguished career in banking, retiring as Vice President of the International Department of Bancfirst. She was the most dependable person her family knew—fiercely independent, deeply devoted to her family, and passionate about travel. An elder with the Chickasaw Tribe, she took great joy in learning about and sharing her heritage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmo “Shucks” Straughn and Dora Mae Straughn; her brother, Garry Straughn; her sister, Nancy Winslett; her niece, Kathy Barker; her great-niece, Kayla Williams; and her great-nephew, Benjamin Bridges.

Frances is survived by her nephews and nieces: John (Suzette) Straughn of Era, Texas; Robin (Wes) Williams of Norman, Oklahoma; DeAnna (Russel) Hughes of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Kara (Stephen) Hill of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jerry (Jamie) Winslett of Ashland City, Tennessee; Gary Barker of Sherman, Texas; and Wayne Bridges of Chipley, Florida; along with her many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews who brought her immense joy.