Frances Matthews Gamester's Obituary
Frances Claudette Matthews Gamester
Fran Gamester, 85, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 9th. She was surrounded by her loving family in the last few weeks of her life. Fran had been ill for a while and was under the care of Lifepath Hospice at the Colonnade at Northdale in North Tampa. The family would like to thank those who cared for and helped Fran be as comfortable as possible.
Fran was born in Buford, GA on March 19, 1939, to Brunice Morgan and James Preston Matthews. The family moved to Tampa, FL in 1948 when Fran was in elementary school. Fran was a 1957 graduate of Plant High School and enjoyed being the Head Majorette.
Fran attended Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA in the Fall of 1957 where she met the love of her life, Rob, her husband of 65 years. They married March 15, 1958, and had four children, Amanda, Selena, Gregg and Robin.
Fran and Rob moved to Tampa in 1967. Her love of children and being involved in the community is evidenced by her activities. She was Secretary of the PTA and Homeroom Mom for all four kids at the Town N Country (TNC) elementary school. She was Executive Secretary for the Hillsborough County Schools, President of the (TNC) Softball Leagurettes, and TNC Garden Circle. Fran was also CO-Founder of the TNC Youth Council where teens could earn community credits for college applications. Fran organized a Christmas Tree Lighting event each December that included a visit from Santa and a stuffed animal for each child. Fran also enjoyed planning themed reunions for her alma mater, Plant High School, class of ’57.
More than anything her family meant the world to her. She is survived by her children Amanda Barton (Churchill), Selena Cusmano (Steve), Gregg Gamester (Amy) and Robin Bennett (Stacy), 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was loved dearly by her family and all who knew her as she was very sweet, kind and loving to all.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22nd, at 10:00 am at the Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa, Fl.
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