Frances Decker Haley, 1923-2020

Frances Decker Haley went to be with her Heavenly Father on May 6, 2020, at the age of 97. She was born to George and Thula Decker on Jan. 17, 1923, in Greenville.

Frances was a graduate of Greenville High School and held a degree in business from Texas Woman’s University. She taught at Grand Prairie High School and Nacogdoches High School.

Frances was very active at the First Baptist Church in Mineola, where her husband was a deacon. She taught Sunday School, was a president of the WMU and was a Sunbeam and GA leader. She sang in the adult choir for several decades.

Frances was also very active in her community. She was an active member and served as president of several civic organizations: Friends of the Library, the Delphian Club, the 20th Century Club, the Book Review Club, Chapter CU of the PEO Sisterhood, the Ladies Chamber of Commerce, the Mineola High School Band Boosters and the Mineola Youth Foundation. She served as a Girl Scout leader and the pianist for the Rotary Club.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, James Haley; her son, Jim Haley; her granddaughter, Amanda Lamb; her parents; four sisters; and four brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Kay Lamb; her daughter-in-law, Pam Haley; grandchildren, Michael Haley and his wife Kelly, Spencer Long and her husband Dwayne, and Electra Savell; five great-grandchildren, Douglas Obenoskey, Kaylee Harris, Emma Obenoskey, Will Smith and Cooper Smith; and five great-great-grandchildren, Levi Harris, Elijah Harris, Axl Obenoskey, River Obenoskey and Emlea Harris.

A private, family graveside service was held Saturday at 3 p.m. at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Mineola. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the music ministry of First Baptist Church or Caring and Sharing of Mineola.