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.