Obituaries

On September 12, 2018, Fredlyn Willis Noe went to be with her Lord and Savior. She passed away at Wilson N. Jones Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Sherman, TX on August 2, 1922 to Fred D. and Abbie Williams Willis, Fredlyn was 96 years old. A graduate of Sherman High School, Fredlyn became a valued employee of Van Pelt's Jewelry and later at Tappan's Jewelry Store. She truly enjoyed helping customers knowing they were happy with their purchases. During her teen years Fredlyn had the honor of playing the violin at a reception for Elanore Rosevelt, the President's wife, held in Denison, TX. She was accompanied at the piano by her older sister, Nona. In her early years, Fredlyn was a member of a local garden club which reflected in the beautiful flowers she grew. In 1957, she filed for candidacy of mayor of Sherman. She was believed to be the first woman in 109-year history of Sherman to seek the mayor's post. One Christmas she joined with the Holiday Home Tour and opened her home to the public, which she had decorated in Dickens style. Known as a prayer warrior, Fredlyn took calls from friends every day asking her to pray for their family and friends. She loved the Lord and had been a member of First Baptist Church since Cradle Roll. She will be remembered as the "hat lady", each Sunday wearing a different hat. At one time she was active in the Methodist Church. For many years she was a positive letter writer, encouraging her granddaughters, family members and friends. After her retirement, on any given day of the week you could find Fredlyn at a bridge table, later in the day in the kitchen baking a cobbler or cake to take to a friend. She is survived by her son, Randaall H. Noe of Rockwall, TX; four granddaughters Natalie Noe, Rockwall; Holly Noe Black and husband, Jacob of Dallas; Mary Elizabeth Newman and Susan Newman Douglas, both of Sherman; former daughter-in-law, Beth Noe of Rockwall,, TX,; her sister, Dot Willis Adkins, and husband, Don of Norman, OK; and sister-in-law Alice Willis of Sherman. Also nieces and nephews, David and Kelly Adkins, Norman; Dr. Keith and Donna Adkins Troop, Ardmore, OK; Ken and Alice Willis Link, Fort Worth; Thomas and Dee Dee Willis, Dallas; David and Becky Smith Laich, Houston; Kermit and Alisha Smith, Houston; and Kindell Smith, Austin. Also, numerous great nieces and nephews. Fredlyn was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Tressa Noe Newman; her sister, Nona Willis Smith and husband Dr. E.O. Smith; her brother, Tom D. Willis and a niece, Linda Smith Smithey. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, September 22 at First Baptist Church, Sherman.