Life's journey of Frances Wittenberg: From Texas to Little Rock

Life's journey of Frances Wittenberg: From Texas to Little Rock

On October 28, 2025, our thoughts are with the family of Frances Faye Christina Holt Wittenberg, who passed away on October 25, 2025 at the age of 95. Frances was born on November 29, 1929 in Beaumont, Texas and was the daughter of Joseph “Joe” James Christina and Frances Golda Miller. She grew up in a family that moved to Corpus Christi in 1939, where her parents worked at the Naval Air Station. Frances herself was an outstanding student, graduating as valedictorian of Sundeen High School.

After graduating, she continued her education at Del Mar Junior College and Texas A&I, where she earned a degree in elementary education. Frances began her career as a teacher, first in first grade at Sundeen Elementary School in Corpus Christi. Her ambitions later took her to Austin, where her husband, a student pastor, attended seminary. During this time she taught at the Texas School for the Deaf and also found time for her family, especially after the birth of her two sons, Kent and Paul.

A life full of dedication and education

Frances’ teaching experience did not end when she started a family. In 1975, she earned her master's degree in education and joined Cabot Public Schools as a reading coordinator, where she worked until her retirement in 2002. She was immensely dedicated and left a lasting impression on the community as an educator. She also enjoyed traveling throughout her life, going on numerous camping trips with her family throughout the USA and Canada.

One memorable trip even took her to the Soviet Union with the Amon Baker Choir, where she distributed Bibles. Frances was known for her warm voice and smile, and her strong faith in Christ marked her life. Tragically, she lost her first husband, Francis Holt, in 1986 and married Edward Wittenberg in 1991, with whom she traveled extensively until his death in 2005.

A fulfilled personal life

Frances' life was not only characterized by travel, but also by family ties. After the loss of Edward, she continued to travel with her son Paul, whom she supported until his death in 2015. In 2020, she moved to Presbyterian Village in Little Rock, where she spent her final years surrounded by much love and support.

Frances is survived not only by her son Kent and his wife Julie, but also by her grandchildren Olivia Holt, Oliver Holt, Jennifer and Jonathan Thompson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family expresses their gratitude to Hospice Home Care and Arkansas Hospice for their loving care.

Frances' funeral service will be held on October 30, 2025, with a visitation on October 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Moore's Cabot Funeral Home. A service will be conducted at the First United Methodist Church at 1:30 p.m., followed by her burial in Sylvania Cemetery. We also remember that memorial donations may be made to Presbyterian Village or another preferred charity.

This thoughtful tribute reminds us that Frances Faye Christina Holt Wittenberg's life was marked by tireless dedication, love of education, and strong family values. We say goodbye to a remarkable woman who shined not only in her education, but also in the lives of her friends and family.

For more information about Frances Faye Wittenberg, read the detailed reports on Arkansas Online or discover more about her development as an artist Wikipedia.