Frances Platt Burford
Frances Platt Burford, 84, of Ruston, Louisiana, entered into her heavenly home on August 9, 2020, surrounded by her family.
She was born to the late Colburn and Lucille Platt on June 27, 1936, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and grew up in Bernice, Louisiana. She was a graduate of Bernice High School and received both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Louisiana Tech University.
Frances was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church for over 50 years and joyfully served through teaching Sunday School, being a church greeter, and rocking babies in the nursery.
She was affectionately known as the “Ice Cream Lady” by many of the members who attended Wednesday night supper and prayer meetings. She truly treasured the time she spent with her church family, especially her friends in the Faith Sunday School class. For many years, Frances taught first grade at Cypress Springs Elementary, though if you asked her, she would say, “I taught children how to read.” Frances was a dedicated and talented porcelain artist, and she cherished her weekly Tuesday china-painting group.
Frances was a lively fan of Louisiana TechsSports, especially football and basketball. She held season tickets and, come rain or shine, was in the same seat at every home game. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of local arts organizations. Frances was a member of the Ruston Symphony Guild, the Ruston Civic Guild, and the North Louisiana Porcelain Arts Guild. She served as a Chapter Advisor for Phi Mu Fraternity and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.
The common thread in all of her many hobbies and affiliations was the joy she felt in spending time with others. Her inner circle of friends referred to her as the “camp director,” because of her consistent commitment to bring everyone together. However, her favorite name of all was “Grandmama” to not only her grandchildren, but all of their friends as well.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Kathryn Platt Ward. She is survived by her daughters Gail Cado and her husband Dan of Flowood, MS, Kathy Melican and her husband John of Encinitas, CA, son Hal Burford of New Orleans, LA, and daughter-in-la Pamela Burford of New Orleans, LA.
Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren: Sara Sullivan and her husband Ben Herring of Jackson, MS, Cole Sullivan and his wife Cecilia of Monroe, LA, Molly Melican of Chicago, IL, Jack Melican of Encinitas, CA, Samuel Burford and Sophia Burford of New Orleans, LA, and great-grandson Joseph Sullivan of Monroe, LA. She is also survived by her former husband and dear friend, Harold Burford, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 15 under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow in Bernice at the Bernice City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Temple Baptist Church, Rolling Hills Ministry, or Samaritan’s Purse International Relief. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
