Frances Boswell Cooley

Frances Cooley passed away January 19, 2021, at the age of 91, from complications with COVID-19.

Frances was born on November 8, 1929 in North Zulch, Texas, to George and Emilee Boswell.  After high school graduation, she moved to Bryan to enroll in McKenzie Baldwin Business School and worked for Sears after completing her studies. A co-worker set her up on a blind date with her nephew, Bill Cooley. Their first date was a Bob Wells concert and they were married January 29, 1950. Their first residence was a dairy farm in Brazos Valley and they later moved into College Station.  Bill and Frances owned and operated Cooley’s Conoco service station on University Drive for many years.  Frances worked as a bookkeeper for several local companies over the span of her career.

Frances was dedicated to her husband and daughters. A witty lady, she enjoyed reading and liked to browse through Carousel Books then trade books with neighbors. She also loved spending time with her family, often at their lake house or at the beach, and was involved with her granddaughters, following every sport they participated in. Above all, Frances loved being mom to her two daughters, Gail and Sonya. One of her daughter’s friends described Frances as the most put-together mamma, hair and nails always done. Frances attended Grace Fellowship and was a member of The Owls group.

Frances is survived by her 2 daughters and son-in-law, Gail and Chris Barzilla and Sonya Cooley of College Station; 2 granddaughters, Lauren Barzilla of Austin, Miranda and Aaron Henslin of Houston; niece Sandy and George Morse of North Zulch, JW Cook of Deer Park; 5 other nieces and one other nephew on the Cooley side and her beloved cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Ellouise Cook, and her husband, Bill.

A private graveside family service was held to honor her life.