Beatrice Franco

July 30, 1939 – July 23, 2024

 Beatrice Nieto Franco, 84, of Mathis, TX passed away in North East, Maryland on July 23, 2024.

Beatrice was born in Swinney Switch on July 30, 1939 and later moved to Mathis, TX in 1945. Beatrice “Bea” married her one true love, Ismael Franco, in November 1962. The importance of an education was exemplified through her actions, with Beatrice going back to school to earn her GED in 1974 and then subsequently completing the Del Mar College LVN program soon after. In 1978, Beatrice started her fifteen-year career, working as a pediatric nurse in Alice and then serving the community of Mathis- working under Dr. Baen and Dr. Munson. 

Beatrice was a devoted mother of two sons, Rene (Maria) Ismael Franco and Joe Richard Franco. She was a grandmother of two: Ryan (Lynn Lim) Franco and Danielle (Matt) Sampson, and a great-grandmother of two: Molly Sampson and Abby Lin Xi Franco.

Beatrice was an active member with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church- serving as a Eucharistic Minister, mass lector, and rosary leader. Bea was well known for proclaiming, “I live to serve my Lord.” 

Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband, Ismael Franco, parents Francisco and Teresa Nieto, and nine siblings: Lucas Nieto, Sofia Hernandez, Teresita Lopez, Quirino Nieto, Emilia Martinez, Margarita Longoria, Santos Cavazos, Panchito Nieto, and Estefanita Lerma. Bea is survived by her sister, Lupe (Alfredo) Magana, two sons, Rene (Maria) Ismael Franco and Joe Richard Franco, two grandchildren, Ryan (Lynn Lim) Franco and Danielle (Matt) Sampson, two great-grandchildren, Molly Sampson and Abby Lin Xi Franco, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Winsteads’ Funeral Home, Mathis TX with the Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. Final viewing will be Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 8:15-9:40 a.m., Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Mathis, TX. Interment will follow at Cenizo Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. 361-547-3224 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com