Frances Carlisle

Frances Ann Carlisle, formerly Frances Ann Grizzle, was born to Harvey Hobson and Annie Harriet (Hobbs) Grizzle on November 4, 1928. Frances passed away at the age of 86 on May 4, 2015. She grew up in Beeville, TX and graduated from A.C. Jones High School in 1945. Frances was married on April 12, 1947 to Robert James "RJ" Carlisle, Jr. RJ passed away in 1983 and Frances never remarried. She remained on the Carlisle family land and managed the ranch and farm until her death. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister, Evelyn Gray. Frances is survived by her and RJ's three children, Robert James III (Joan) Carlisle of Laurel, Maryland, Debbie Ann (David) Bell of Papalote, and Leslie Todd (Dovie) Carlisle of Hurst, TX ; six grandchildren, Anne (Gary) Besancon of Skidmore, Robert James IV (Monique) Carlisle of Conroe, TX, Brooke (DJ) Nick of Papalote, Jessica (Jason) Hughes of Tulsa, OK, Tawni Rousch and Benjamin Carlisle of Hurst, TX; nine great grandchildren, Dillion, Grady, and Colton Besancon, Robert, Leiah, Sammuel, Sarah, and Michael Carlisle, and Brody Nick. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis Grizzle. During her life, Frances was president of Bee-Tex Club and chaired the annual Bee-Tex dog show in Beeville. Frances bred and showed Basenjis, a barkless hound breed that originated in Africa. At the peak of her dog showing career, it was not uncommon for her to drive thousands of miles to show her dogs. Her achievements include, the number one Basenji dog in the nation, Macho Man of Papalote; a five top bitch in the nation, Sheer Elegance of Papalote; along with numerous awards including the Wessman Memorial Award with Kiowa Warrior of Papalote. She was also an avid gardener with a passion for amaryllis and African violets. She crossed bred and nurtured her amaryllises producing unique and gorgeous specimens that survive today. Later in life, she added poker to her list of hobbies and she became known for her unique basenji poker card protector in Vegas tournaments. She was an independent and remarkable woman and the matriarch of her surviving family. She will be missed. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home chapel. Funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at First Christian Church in Beeville. Interment will follow at Papalote Catholic Cemetery in Papalote. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to First Christian Church, 715 N. St. Mary's, Beeville, TX 78102.