Mary Frances Robinson

BENTON, AR formerly of HOMER, LA: Mary Frances Evan Robinson, age 96, formerly of Shreveport and Homer, La., died in Benton, Ark. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017. She was born in Jefferson, TX, Jan. 31, 1920, to Elmo Clyde Evans and Clara Bell Fort Evans. She and her family lived for several years in the historical Brown and Bender house, later known as the Pride House, in Jefferson, TX. She moved to Shreveport for her high school years and attended Fair Park High School and graduated in 1938. While there, she was elected treasurer of the Home Economics Club in 1936-37 and president in 1938, was a member of Tri-Y Club in 1936-37 and vice president in 1938, Pen and Scroll Club, was president of Alpha Zeta Sorority, was on the Sequoyah yearbook staff and served as staff artist in 1936 and named Art Editor for 1937-38, participated in the choir and her senior play, and was selected to give a commencement speech her senior year. She was also elected cheerleader and was named a "Beauty" in the yearbook. She was the first girl in Louisiana given permission to take Manual Training in her sophomore year and Mechanical Drawing her senior year. She was featured in a Shreveport Times article and photographed with her cane-woven chair, that was later presented to her dad as a gift. She won third place for her Mechanical Drawing book at the YMCA city wide Hobby Show and was the only female participant. After graduation, she married James M. Robinson of the Arizona community, near Homer, La., in 1938. Of this marriage, they had two children, Kay Robinson Prince of Benton, Ark. And Dr. J. Michael (Mike) Robinson of Odessa, TX. She worked for Yearwood's Department store in Shreveport as a sales clerk, window decorator and buyer for 15 years, P&S Maternity Shop on Line Avenue and World Book Company. She was promoted to District Manager for World Book, and won trips to Costa del Sol, Granada and Seville, Spain and Tangiers, Morocco. She helped to organize the Lady's Auxiliary of Shreveport Firefighters Local #514 and served as their first President. After moving to the Arizona Community on Lake Claiborne, she and her husband helped to establish the Arizona Museum in 1976, and later on, the Herbert S. Ford Museum in Homer, La., where she served on the Board of Directors. She did everything from sweeping floors to window dressings. She truly loved that old hotel and all the people who worked there, and her artwork and lettering are still on display today. She was a member of the Homer Garden Club and the National Society of Colonial Dames. She served as chairperson of the Distinguished Citizens Registry of Claiborne Parish, published in 1990, with her artwork on the cover. Mary Frances was an artist and showcased her work at the Claiborne Jubilee and obtained a copyright for her pen and ink sketch of the historical Homer Courthouse. Her other love was her church. She was instrumental in establishing the first Parents Class at Mangum Memorial Methodist Church in Shreveport and served as the first President of the Sunday school class. She was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Homer and the Gleamers Sunday School class for many years. She moved to Bryant, Ark. in 2011 to Fox Ridge Estates Assisted Living, where she was voted Queen of Mardi Gras and Valentines Queen. Her apartment was used as a Model Show Apartment for new residents, showcasing her decorations and oil paintings. At the age of 94, she was still producing artwork that is on display in the main lobby and dining hall of Fox Ridge. She loved to dance and interact with people, uplifting them through kind words and prayer, always with a smile on her face. She was preceded in death by her husband, former Shreveport District Fire Chief James M. Robinson, sisters, Margaret Mullinax and Ruth Jones, and brother, Lt. Col. John J. Evans. She is survived by her daughter, Kay Robinson Prince (John) of Benton, Ark. and son, Dr. J. Michael (Mike) Robinson of Odessa, TX, nine grandchildren, Teresa K. Mastny (Terry) of Bossier City, La., Lisa R. Thomas (Jeff), Stacy Roberts (Keith), of Katy, TX, Lt. Col. Donald Hudson (Michelle) of Kathleen, GA., Jim Robinson of Houston, TX, William Robinson of Monroe, La., John Robinson (Melissa) of Odessa, TX., Christopher Robinson (Brandlyn) of Odessa, TX and Jennifer Mitten (Wesly) of Claton, NC, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Services were held Thursday, Jan. 12 at First United Methodist Church in Homer. Visitation started at 9:30 a.m, with services starting at 11:00. Graveside services followed at Arlington Cemetery in Homer. Pallbearers were Donald Hudson, Terry Mastny, Jeff Thomas, Keith Roberts, Christopher Murray and Jim, William, John and Christopher Robinson. Mary Frances asked in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum, PO Box 157, Homer, La. 71040 or First United Methodist Church, 501 W. Third Street, Homer, La. 71040.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110

www.rose-neath.com