Frankie Ann Sebesta

Frankie Joyce Sebesta of College Station, Texas, died Sunday, December 29, 2024, while visiting family in Hilltop Lakes. Though she had diabetes, and knee surgery in recent months, Frankie remained relatively healthy through her older age and her death came as a surprise. She was 90 years old. 

Frankie was born November 7, 1934, to Lydia Mae and Frank J. Sabrsula in Boling, Texas, where she graduated from Boling High School. After high school, Frankie attended Durham’s Business School in Houston and settled in 1954 with her young family in Bryan. Other than a six-month stent in Virginia, she lived in Bryan and College Station for the rest of her life.

At Boling High, Frankie was named the FFA Sweetheart and voted Class Favorite. She played the French horn in the school band, played tennis, and qualified for district competition in typing. She later insisted that her sons take typing in school, which turned out to be a crucial skill. She had a way of sensing things that others might not.

Faith was the cornerstone of Frankie’s life. A devout follower of Jesus Christ, she exemplified God’s love through her faith, encouragement, and her daily walk. Frankie was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church and then First Baptist Church in Bryan. She lived her spiritual faith through actions and dedicated her entire life to helping others—especially her late husband, Earl Sebesta, her four sons, and their families. Her favorite scriptures were Jeremiah 33:3—“Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you do not know”—and Psalm 46:10—“Be still and know that I am God.”

Frankie was married to Lloyd Joyce from 1954 to 1982 and then to Earl Sebesta from 1984 until his passing in August 2023. In 1956, Frankie became a mother with the birth of her first son, when she was 21 years old. Within a decade, the family was complete with four sons. Without a doubt, her life’s calling was being a mother. She never missed a school event or a baseball game, and her devotion to her children was evident in everyday moments, from cooking hearty breakfasts—sometimes hamburgers if that is what her boys wanted—to supporting her boys’ education and lives in practical and loving ways. Later in life, as her family grew and dispersed, she regularly called her sons, daughters-in-law, grandkids, and great-grandkids to stay in touch and involved in their lives. She was a cheerleader for all—“Give flowers to the living” was one of her favorite expressions. Her love and dedication will be appreciated, admired, and forever missed. 

Frankie loved time spent with friends and meaningful conversations. You could say she had the gift of gab. She had numerous deep friendships that spanned multiple decades. Her love for others came naturally as she saw this as a calling and as part of the very fabric of her life. Frankie also loved having fun. She delighted in playing games, attending musical events like the Opry, and hosting lively gatherings. Her laughter, sense of humor, and ability to make others feel special created cherished memories for those around her. 

Frankie gave back to her friends and the community both one-on-one and with organizations. For 19 years, she was active with Discovery, a program that welcomes wives and children of international students at Texas A&M University who were far away from home. She led Triple L (Living Longer and Loving it) at Central Baptist Church for many years. She also served as a docent at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station. 

Frankie was known for her warm hospitality, loving to cook and share meals with others. When friends and acquaintances were in need, they knew it would not be long before they found Frankie at their front door with a homemade meal to share. She loved it when friends stopped by the house to visit for a talk and a glass of iced tea. If a friend happened to unexpectedly drop by around mealtime, they were always included. Frankie would simply say “FHB” to the family. The kids all knew this meant “family hold back” so that there would be plenty to enjoy, for guest and family alike. 

Frankie also loved to bake and make sweets. She came by this naturally. Like her mother, she specialized in delicious homemade cinnamon rolls, bread, peanut brittle, and shortbread—especially around the holidays. Her friends and family will miss the delicious treats she lovingly made and shared.

Over different decades in Frankie’s life, her professional activities included serving as a secretary at the International Shoe Company when she first joined the workforce and as a legal secretary at a law firm. Later in life, she attended Blinn College to obtain her real estate license and worked as a real estate agent. She also managed the local Western Union.

In 2018, Frankie and Earl moved to the Langford independent living facility in College Station. She spent her final years caring for Earl, enjoying her new friends at the Langford, visiting family members, attending church, and baking sweet treats. Frankie’s warmth, kindness, and zeal for life will continue to buoy her loved ones through their grief and in perpetuity. “Laugh as much as you breathe,” she was known to say. “And love as long as you live.” 

Frankie was preceded in death by her husband Earl Sebesta, her mother and father Lydia and Frank Sabrsula, her brother Irvin Sabrsula, and her sister Rosie Williams. She is survived by her brother Elmer Sabrsula and his wife Rose of China, Texas; her four sons Jeff Joyce and his wife Toy of Houston; Glenn Joyce and his wife Angie of Hilltop Lakes; Jimmy Joyce and his wife Erica of Royce City; and J.D. Joyce and his wife Robyn of Houston. Granny will be missed by her nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren: Justin Joyce, his wife Bethany, and their children Hadley and Blaine; Krystal Lineberger, her husband Chris, and their children Jericho, Journey, and Jasher; Christopher Joyce, his wife Jessica, and their children Leighton and Nolan; Lindsey Hefner and her children Aubrey, Parker, and Penelope; Jena Krinock, her husband John, and their children Lily and Lucy; Jennifer Broach and her husband Jared; Allyson Joyce; Grayson Joyce; and Ashley Joyce.

Visitation will be Friday, January 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, 3001 S. College Ave., in Bryan. The funeral service will be Saturday, January 11, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Bryan, 3100 Cambridge Drive, officiated by Pastor Tim Skaggs and assisted by Pastor David Gusewelle. Interment will follow at Snook Cemetery on FM 2155. Pallbearers are Justin Joyce, Christopher Joyce, Grayson Joyce, Chris Lineberger, John Krinock, Jared Broach, and Dr. Garry Gore.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, in Frankie’s memory, be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, which cared for Earl in his final days.