FRANCES FALK PHELPS
FRANCES FALK PHELPS
February 13, 1930 – November 6, 2025
Frances “Francy” Falk Phelps was born in Syracuse, New York on February 13, 1930, to Professor Sawyer Falk and Kathleen Currah Falk. She is predeceased by her husband Richard Phelps and brother Professor Kenneth Falk. Francy grew up in Syracuse and attended Syracuse University and then Alfred University, where she met her husband, Richard Phelps. They were married 57 years. Francy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and a Master of Arts degree in Humanities from the University of Houston Clear Lake.
Francy was an artist and patron of the arts. She became interested in ballet as a child, and left Syracuse when she was a teenager to study dance with Ballet Alicia Alonso in Cuba. She then went to New York City to dance with American Ballet Theatre, returned to Syracuse to open her own school of dance, and later joined the Lake Erie Ballet company as a dancer and choreographer.
She was a devoted wife and mother, and her husband’s career took them to many cities, with their favorite and longest place of residence being Clear Lake City. Francy was dedicated to her family. She involved her daughters in a variety of learning experiences that provided them opportunities for growth. Throughout her life she sought a connection to theatre, dance, music and art. She enjoyed tap dancing with the League City Tappers well into her eighties.
Francy held several positions in the Clear Lake Area, with some being: Director, Program Development; Director, Clear Lake*Nasa Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; Chairman of the Cultural Affairs Council, all associated with Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. She served as Director, Alumni Relations with University of Houston Clear Lake and Cultural Representative and board member of the Clear Lake Branch of the American Association of University Women. She was General Manager for Lake Publishing; and Vice President, Marketing of Lit’l Horn Restaurant in Webster, alongside her husband, the restaurant’s owner. Francy was passionate about every venture she assumed. She loved her work and the opportunity to make a positive impact for residents and visitors in the community.
Francy is survived by daughter Valerie Phelps Mills (Sidney Blanks, Jr.), daughter Drusilla Anne “Dru” Phelps; grandchildren Jessica MVP Tolman (Matt Tolman), Kirsten Mills, Michael Mills, Jr.; great grandchild Tuff Waylon Tolman, niece Renata Falk Louwers, niece Sandra Thompson, nephew John Swain, cousins Barbie Bradford and Pat Smith, and many extended family members and friends. All were a source of joy and inspiration to Francy. Her loving spirit and acts of kindness were greatly appreciated and continue to be paid forward.
While Francy’s physical presence will be deeply missed, the vision, intelligence and examples of relentless strength she shared with us will continue to live on in those who knew her.
Viewing & Funeral Service: Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025; Time: 1:00 pm viewing; 2:00 pm service with onsite reception following service; Location: Crowder Funeral Home / 111 E Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX 77598
Committal Service: Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025; Time: 10:00 am; vehicle lineup to begin at 9:45 am, Lane 1; Location: Houston National Cemetery / 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Syracuse University Department of Drama: https://vpa.syracuse.edu/ Give / Support a Specific Department/Department of Drama Gift Fund / My Gift is a Tribute / In Memory of Frances Phelps; or you may mail a check to: College of Visual and Performing Arts / 215 Crouse College, Syracuse University / Syracuse, NY 13244. Checks should be made out to Syracuse University and include “In memory of Frances Phelps” in the memo line.
Aww, so sad to see this day come, as the years fly much too quickly. Thankful to have shared in her earlier years, back from 1st meeting her daughter Dru, in High School, to the many fun years at the Chamber of Commerce! She always had a joyful and beautiful smile that brightened every greeting! Sending my deepest love and condolences to all of her family. Francy was known and loved by so very many people… I am thankful to have been one.
Francy was a beautiful person inside and out! She inspired appreciation of the arts. The expression “they broke the mold” when she was made is quite fitting! Her beauty and charm will live on in the lives she touched.
Dru, I only knew your mother because she and my mom were roommates in the nursing home over the past couple of years, when both weren’t at their best. I believe they would have really liked each other if they’d met under different circumstances and better understood what was going on. Who could have imagined that, after you and I worked together at Baker over 27 years ago, our mothers would one day become roommates near the end of their lives, pass away just two weeks apart, and that we’d find ourselves grieving them at the same time? I hope you find comfort in knowing your mother is finally at peace. Ninety-five years is quite a remarkable run, and I’m sure her memory will continue to be a blessing.
Dearest aunt Francey was a true blessing her memory a treasure to hold forever.
She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.The loss of a mom
is one of the greatest loss in life..I’m thinking of of you in this difficult
time and I’m here if you need me…I will always cherish those lavish Christmas
dinner ‘s, with some of the most outstanding Christmas decorations one can image. Aunt Francey had that beautiful smile with a little laughter that always make you feel welcome and honored by your presence .I hope that memories of our
dear aunt Francey brings us all peace , comfort and strength…may God Bless her wonderful soul…peace ,love and respect.
She was one classy lady
Always a kind word
Enjoyed every moment I spent with her
She was a neighbor, work mate and councilor to many
She will be missed
I knew Francy through the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce when we both were staff members in the 1980’s. Francy was a delightful person who welcomed me as a friend. I’ll always remember our trip to the Galleria where she introduced me to designer clothing. The last time I saw Francy was at a Chamber Christmas Open House years ago. She will remain a jewel of a friend forever.
Marcy Fryday
Lakewood Yacht Club
We’ve known Francy for over 45 years, as Francy, and her husband, Dick, were our next door neighbors since June 1980. Francy was a most lovely lady, both in her appearance and her words. We never heard her say anything negative about anyone. She was a true angel! Over the years, we kept close – sometimes having Thanksgiving dinner at their house. Francy always planned meticulously – from the food to the decorations. And, we would always come over to see her Christmas tree that was decorated in beautiful dolls. Every year she was home, she put lights on her front bush so that it looked like a mushroom to us. Maybe, it looked like something from outer space to others. It was the star of the street.
She loved her plants and flowers. She also took care of ours when we traveled. She was always getting new plants and making the yard look nice with flowers. I remember when she left her home on Ledgestone. It was June, 2017. It was never the same without her. The angel has gone to heaven.