Mary Frances Griffiths

Jan 20, 1936 -

Aug 14, 2022

Heaven's choir of angels received a beautiful redhead, Mary Frances Griffiths, on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. Everyone she touched during her 86 years will miss her God-given gifts of music, hospitality, creativity and beauty.

Mary Frances cherished the years she and her husband David lived in Anchorage, Alaska, with Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO). They made lifelong friends and memories. One of Mary Frances' most beloved memories was helping her daughter as chaperone represent Alaska to the Lower 48 after Leslie won Miss Teenage America 1978 as Miss Teenage Anchorage. Alaska art and pictures of fishing trips still adorn David's walls as he remembers his wife and the precious years their family enjoyed in Alaska.

Mary Frances Griffiths was born in Kansas City, Mo., to Mary Owen McCord Zaner and J. Frank Zaner on Jan. 20, 1936. She graduated from El Paso High School in 1954, where she met the love of her life, David Evan Griffiths.

Mary Frances attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a spirited member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in music education and vocal performance.

David and Mary Frances married in May 1958, and moved to Great Falls, Mont., to serve two years in the Air Force. During their 64 years of marriage, ARCO would transfer them to Odessa, Corpus Christi, Midland and Dallas, Texas; and Anchorage.

Mary Frances was known as a premier piano teacher wherever they lived. In 1993, The Music Teachers National Association honored Mary Frances as the first music teacher in Texas to be presented with its coveted Permanent Professional Certificate in Piano for her teaching accomplishments and service to music education. As a beautiful soprano, Mary Frances performed as a soloist with the Anchorage Community Chorus while in Alaska.

Faithfully caring for her, David beautifully describes Mary Frances' zest for life, "Although she endured several medical issues, including ovarian cancer and a brain aneurism, Mary Frances remained a vivacious energetic and loving person who maintained a positive attitude in her life and faith." "Miff's" last words included, "I love you," to "Griff," whom she adored.

Cherishing her memory is her devoted husband, David Evan Griffiths; daughter, Leslie Owen Griffiths Roberts and husband George Travis Roberts Jr. of Tyler, Texas; son, Jeffrey Thomas Griffiths and wife Jennifer Miller Griffiths of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Claire Frances Roberts and George Travis Roberts III of Dallas, and Grace Emilee Griffiths of Frisco.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice, or the Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County. Cards of condolence may be sent to 6807 Lacosta Drive, Tyler, TX 75703.