Gwendolyn Merle Franks DuBose

Funeral services for Gwendolyn DuBose, 88, of Brownfield will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, in the First Baptist Church in Brownfield, with Reverend Randy Land officiating. Interment will follow in Brownfield, Terry County Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends viewing and visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 21, at Ratliff Funeral Home Chapel. Services are under the Direction of Ratliff Funeral Home in Brownfield. Devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, and precious friend are just a few of the names that describe Gwen DuBose. Gwendolyn Merle Franks was born on Friday, Sept. 10, 1926, to Arnes and Dovie Franks in Roby, Texas. She was the eldest of the four Franks children. Gwendolyn arrived on the South Plains by train at Meadow, Texas, in 1930. Much of her childhood was spent just a few miles south of Gomez, Texas, on the Gaston place. She attended Gomez, Lahay, and Brownfield Schools. There were numerous times that Gwen would have to catch up in school after working with her family pulling cotton. Gwen graduated for Brownfield High School in 1944 and began a 52-year career as an extremely conscientious bookkeeper. Her love for numbers and ability to maintain a set of perfectly balanced books were matched by few. Her employers were 16 men and one woman who all placed great trust in her abilities. She was a woman of wisdom, integrity, and honor. Gwen’s father was a Baptist minister for more than 40 years. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was always active in church. Like her mother and most of her family, Gwen loved to sing. Although she had no professional training, she was an exceptional alto singer. She also played hymns on the piano, but called herself a beginning music reader and played most selections by ear. In 1949, Gwen was introduced to the love of her life, Truman Allen DuBose. They were married on Dec. 15, 1949, by her father, at Northside Baptist Church in Brownfield, Texas. Wayne Allen DuBose was born on May 11, 1951. He was her only child and she loved him dearly. Even though she worked full-time, she was very involved in his school and church activities. She was always a part of the mothers support groups for Boy Scouts, DeMolays, BHS Choir, Sunday school, and church youth organizations. She still loved attending any floral seminar or music program in which Wayne was involved. She was his first and greatest supporter. Gwen’s only grandchild, Dr. Kenton Wayne DuBose DNP, was born on Oct. 16, 1985. No grandmother was more proud of the many accomplishments of her grandson. She told everyone about his hard work and study ethics. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Brownfield. She was in her spot, on her pew most every Sunday. She loved being a part of worshipping God and studying His word. Many of her lifelong friends were in her Sunday school class. Gwen loved having a beautiful yard. She would spend hours there, and her yard on the corner of Lons and Cedar was a show place. A perfectly manicured yard and immaculate flowerbeds were what she designed and maintained. She was an active member of the Brownfield Garden Club for many years and also served as President. Gwen was a Life Member of Beta Sigma Phi. She served as the local chapter president in Brownfield, Texas and Ruidoso, NM. Her most cherished friends were her sorority sisters. She loved the opportunity to learn through the educational programs and to support various civic projects of the sorority. She also served as President of Pilot Club International while living in Ruidoso, NM. Few people are blessed with so many true friends. Gwen had the ability to find the best in everyone she met and was an excellent judge of character. She loved to laugh, play games, and just enjoy life. She was always ready to help her friends. Gwen is survived by her husband of 65 years, Truman DuBose; her son, Wayne DuBose of Lubbock, Texas; her grandson, Kenton DuBose of Fort Worth, Texas; her adopted son, Scott Millsap of Lubbock, Texas; three brothers, Buddy Franks and his wife, Doris of Morton, Texas; Billy Franks and his wife, Cecilia of Brownfield; and John Franks and his wife, Patsy also of Brownfield; 11 nieces; seven nephews and their families; and a multitude of dear friends.