Frances Nifong

Frances Louise Back Nifong, 90, of Mansfield, Texas, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2012. Frances was born in Mansfield on March 31, 1922, the daughter of Claud Back and Irene Prater Back. She graduated from Mansfield High School in 1939 and received a B.S. in Home Economics from North Texas State Teachers College, now known as North Texas State University. In December of 1943, Frances married Harry D. Nifong, Jr. the son of Dr. and Mrs. Harry D. Nifong of Mansfield and Britton area. Since Harry was in the U.S. Air Force, Fran's first job was teaching in San Antonio near Kelly AFB. In 1951-52, she lived in France during the Korean Conflict where Capt. and Mrs. Nifong's civic duties and love for volunteer work began. They helped to restore the old town square, town hall and clock that was damaged during WWII. When they returned to the U. S. to Midwest City, Oklahoma, she spent many hours devoting time to teaching Sunday School, activities in Book Clubs, Home Extension Clubs, Garden Clubs, County and State Fairs. She held numerous offices in all organizations and was a full time substitute teacher in Midwest City and Del City, Oklahoma, after completing the required Oklahoma history requirements at Oklahoma University.After complete retirement, they moved to Mansfield in 1975. Fran became involved in UMW (United Methodist Women), Thrift Shop (now Wesley Mission Center), Funding Committees for the Family Life Center at the First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, Friends of the Library, Mansfield Historical Society, Mansfield Main Street Project and Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee. She was appointed commissioner to the Historic Landmark Commission. In 1995 as President of the Mansfield Historical Society, Fran published a book within one year with the help of outstanding committee members. The book received a best publication award by Tarrant County for Tarrant County history. The book was sold out and had a second printing. In 1996. she was Volunteer of the Year, Citizen of the Year in 1997 and began renovation of the McKnight Building for Mansfield Historical Society. In 2001 she was awarded the distinguished Alumna Award, and in 2004 received the Wall of Honor Award. Fran gave numerous Mansfield history presentations at Willie Brown, Mary Orr, Boren and Alice Ponder schools. Fran loved to volunteer and loved to trap armadillos in her spare time because they played havoc in her yard. So you see, Fran is a true Mansfield girl - born here, raised here, schooled here. Then she goes off to see the world and return to pass on her life experiences with Mansfield's youth. Survivors: Daughter, Colette Rawdon and husband Greg; granddaughter, Megan Francine Rawdon; nephews, Harvey and Jacob "Jake" Back; niece, Jane Claire Barclay; numerous cousins. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Harry D. Nifong, Jr. and brother, J.C. Back. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mansfield Historical Society.