Virginia Frances Crump

Frances Crump, daughter of Wiley Martin Watson and Virgie Alma Stevens, was born in 1924 in Marquez, Texas. After her father died, her mother moved to Houston with her two children, Frances and Doyle. After her mother married R. F. Adams, a daughter Janelle was born. While living in Houston, Frances met Leo Crump, Jr. and they married.  During the war years, Frances raised a son, Gary, and, when Leo returned from the war, Michael was born in 1946. On the advice of Leo Sr., they escaped the petro-chemical environment of Texas City and moved to Wharton where several other family members were living. In 1951, daughter Judy was born there.  Frances was an artistic woman and found expression in art, hair care and cooking. She honed her hair cutting skills as a child practicing on her Uncle Buck, who was easily pleased and complimented the results. The painter in her came out in oil paintings and chalk works. As a young girl, she had seen a young woman at a church do a chalk talk while music played. Frances was amazed and started practicing!  In Wharton, using her artistic talent, she later became a master barber. In the 1970s, she was the first woman’s hair stylist for men in Wharton. After discovering how good they could look, the men and women made her business, “Frances & Co.”, a success.  Leo and Frances lived on Caney Creek Farm until a farm accident killed Leo in 1975. She carried on with her hair styling business and, after buying the adjoining 5 acres and home, she opened Caney Creek Lodge for the wildfowl sportsmen and other special events. It was an instant hit with the guides and hunters. Her talent as a lodge owner with good cooking was enjoyed by all.  Her oldest son, Gary, died in 2001 of emphysema. At the (gentle) nudging of Judy and Michael, Frances sold the farm and lodge in 2009 and she moved into town. She remained a hair stylist until her death. She also rekindled her chalk talk paintings for the church and did several portraits  She had a life full of triumphs and sorrows like all of us. Her life was a beautiful tree of continuous blossoms that enriched her large circle of friends and family.  Visitation will be held from 2 until 4 pm at the chapel of Wharton Funeral Home on Sunday, March 26, 2017. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 28, 2017 at Wharton Funeral Home at 1 pm. The procession to Wharton Cemetery will be led by a 1888 vintage horse drawn hearse. Burial will be in Wharton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wharton Cemetery Association Improvement Fund, 501 c 13, PO Box 681, Wharton Texas, 77488. Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences can be made at whartonfuneralhome.com