MARY FRANCES RIGSDELL KNOX

Died on May 30, 2017. She was born in Palestine, Texas, the daughter of Lucy Iona McGaughy Rigsdell and M. Winston Rigsdell. Husband Oscar E. Knox, Jr., parents and sisters, Virginia Rigsdell Southerland and Louise Rigsdell Marshall, preceded her in death. She is survived by her son Gary Hickman, his wife Ellen, grandson Spencer Hickman, a host of cherished family and friends.

Following graduation from Woodhouse High School and Nixon Business College, she worked for the United States Office of Price Administration – War Price and Rationing Board. When that office was abolished, she began her career with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company. After thirty-nine years of service she retired as the Office Manager for the District Engineer's Office, Union Pacific Railroad Company, Houston. Following her "retirement", Mother began a new career in the travel industry in outside sales for corporate and group events. After nineteen years and travel to five of the seven continents, Mother "retired" again.

Mother was a Life Member, Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No 395, National Association of Railway Business Women ("NARBW"), The Missouri Pacific Officers Association, and a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church. NARBW brought many opportunities for service. She held numerous offices in the local and national chapters. She also received the honor of being named NARBW Woman of the Year. Mother has been a member of the Methodist Church since childhood as a member of three congregations: Holmes Chapel United Methodist, Palestine; First United Methodist Church, Houston; and John Wesley United Methodist, Houston. She completed studies in the New Testament, served on the Women's Society of Christian Service, and during her membership at John Wesley served on the Library Committee, Caring Ministries Team and Usher.

Visitation and a funeral service will be held at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 5830 Bermuda Dunes, Houston, Texas, 77069, June 2, 2017. Visitation will begin at Noon followed by the funeral service. A Service of Committal will be at Forest Park Cemetery-The Woodlands. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, John Wesley United Methodist Church, or a charity of choice.