Frances Buzard

Frances Taylor Buzard, 91, passed away on August 20, 2018, in Midland, Texas. A private family burial service will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018, followed by an 11:00 am memorial celebration of her life at First Central Presbyterian Church with Dr. Clifford Stewart and Dr. Janice Six officiating.  Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Frances was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 8, 1927, to Frances and Herman Taylor. She graduated from Arlington Heights High School, then attended Christian College in Columbia, MO. She later graduated from Duke University in 1948. 

Frances married Richard Buzard on June 23, 1951, at First Christian Church in Fort Worth. They moved to Abilene in 1958.

Education was very important to Frances and she spent 29 years as a very dedicated teacher. She taught for four years in Fort Worth and for the remaining 25 years taught at Austin Elementary in Abilene. She spent 16 years as a special education teacher, and was especially gifted in helping children with learning difficulties. 

Frances lived a life of service to others and was deeply rooted in Abilene’s volunteer community. After her retirement, she became active in various organizations including the Abilene Women’s Club (secretary), Hendrick Medical Auxiliary, Thursday Forum Study Club (president), Abilene Philharmonic Guild (board member), Cancer Services Network, TSTA Life Member, Presbyterian Medical Care Mission, and Abilene Association of Congregations (secretary and vice president). At First Central Presbyterian Church, Frances served as an elder.

But of all of her volunteer endeavors, the Presbyterian Food Pantry remained her nearest and dearest passion. She put her heart and soul into the management of all aspects of the pantry. Because of her dedication and the many wonderful volunteers, the pantry fed thousands of families over the years in Abilene. It was renamed the Frances A. Buzard Presbyterian Food Pantry in 2017. 

Frances was preceded in death by Richard, her husband of 62 years, her parents Frances and Herman Taylor, and her brother Herman Taylor Jr. Survivors include a son, Richard Buzard, Jr. of Columbia, S.C., daughter Carol Ann Opitz and her husband Jeff of Rockwall, daughter Joan Huff and her husband Chris of Midland, grandchildren Justin Opitz and his wife Kassidy of Dallas, Kimberly Jakus and her husband Ted of Dallas, Katie Huff of Midland, Elizabeth Huff of Midland, and six great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at both Manor Park’s Cowden Cottage and Home Hospice in Midland for all the loving care that they provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the food pantry at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange Street, Abilene, TX, 79601, or to the charity of your choice.