Honey Grove, Texas -- Norma "Frances" Houchins, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in her sleep, with her daughter, Norma Jean, by her side. She was born on December 3, 1938, to Bert and Mary Sherwood Finley in Forest Hill, Texas. Frances attended Forest Hill and West Lamar schools.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Houchins; her parents, Bert and Mary Finley; her daughter, Sandra Kay Pendergraft; her three sisters, Betty June, Ruth Ellen, and Pat; her son-in-law, Joe Dunigan; and her grandsons, Aubrey and Adrian Pendergraft.
Frances is survived by her daughter, Norma Jean Dunigan; her sons, Chris Pendergraft and wife Trish, and Stacy Pendergraft and wife Deann; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren, with 5 more on the way. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law, Shanon, Donna, and Kathy Houchins. In addition, she had many “adopted” children whom she claimed and loved as her own.
Frances retired from Campbell’s Soup Company and was loved by all who knew her. Her greatest love and joy was her family. She especially looked forward to the holidays, when she and her daughter, Norma Jean—whom she lovingly called “Jeany Bell”—would spend days cooking in preparation. Family would gather, often with others joining in, as her home was always open to anyone who wanted to come.
She enjoyed long country drives, listening to George Strait, and singing old hymns.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
With much love—fly high, Frances.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2026, at Forest Hill Cemetery, Honey Grove, Texas. Visitation will be at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Honey Grove, Texas.
Pallbearers are Chris Pendergraft, Stacy Pendergraft, Jerry Lynn Pryor JR, Christopher Pendergraft, Justin Pendergraft, and Leo Pendergraft.
Honorary pallbearers are Shane Barnett, Nathan Barnett, Tristan Pendergraft, Steven Pendergraft, Stacy Pendergraft, and Mark Anthony Baca.
To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit www.coopersorrels.com
