Frances Pomeroy

Frances Elizabeth Christenbury was born in Boone, North Carolina on February 1, 1933, To Dr. and Mrs. Edward Christenbury.

Who would believe that this story began so many years ago at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, because of an old worn pair of brown cowboy boots? What did a girl from Boone, North Carolina need with a pair anyway. That was the beginning of a 70 yearlong love affair that took Frances Elizabeth Christenbury and her soon to be husband, John Paul Pomeroy Jr, out of their adopted home of Knoxville, and on to Houston, Texas. Paul received his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center while Booty as she is affectionately known, raised their three children; Paul, Todd, and Sarah; who have remained very close to their mother along with six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

The chance meeting between Paul and Booty over a pair of cowboy boots that she needed for a school play brought them together but it would be their love for one another, their mutual curiosity about the world; and insatiable desire to learn, that would keep them together propelling them from one adventure to another. After many years leading the law firm which he built in Houston, Paul; anxious to build something new, bought a controlling interest in an investment bank in Mexico City, during the early 1970's. With the kids in tow, It was there that Booty developed her deep love of Mexico; studying at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), learning the language and all she could about the country and her people. She would continue to speak and maintain her fluency in Spanish; conversing on a regular basis with friends she had met over the years. As much as they both loved living in Mexico; Texas, as it turned out, would prove to be inescapable. After a couple of years Paul sold the business, and the family returned to Houston, looking for yet another adventure.

Soon after returning they bought their first property in the Brenham area near Gay Hill. Shortly thereafter they decided yet again to do something they had never done; by creating the Brenham Pleasure Celebration, a competition for western pleasure. Neither of them knew anything about horses of course, but that did not stop them-it was a new challenge and they could not wait to get started.

After many happy and busy years in Brenham; and with the children grown, they decided to test drive some new places, including Saddlebrook, Arizona, and Georgetown, Texas, and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The pull of their adopted home of Brenham, however; was not to be broken. They settled back into their familiar life in Brenham, reuniting with friends; and as always, Booty became involved with various social and charitable groups, Including Lifetime Learning which she shared with her very close friend, Nancy Shoup.

She was a relentless student; always eager to learn something new; a trait that persisted throughout her life, and into her nineties. When she became interested in investing through an investment club in Brenham that she joined; she approached it as she did with everything; nothing but a thorough and detailed understanding would suffice. She would study trends, new technologies, and of course, what the hot topic of the day would be on CNBC. She often observed that tending her portfolio was her day job. But no matter how busy she was with family or investments, she was always very social, and made starting and maintaining friendships look easy. It was as natural as breathing. Indeed, if she were here she would say, that is what kept her breathing. For those of us on the "outside" it was exhausting just trying to keep up with her social calendar. Her friends were always there for her; even when it became increasingly difficult to see, and she was no longer able to drive. Her wonderful friends would keep inventing ways for them to spend time together. She cherished that, and you all know who you are.

Pastor Marty from the Cowboy Church held a bedside prayer circle for Booty in her final hours with her doting son, Paul Pomeroy III, and Nancy Killom in attendance. It was clear to everyone that Booty felt the incredible love and support in the room. While all arrangements have been handled by the family, donations may be made to the Brenham Children's Chorus and would be greatly appreciated. It was, since its inception always very near and dear to both Paul and Booty's hearts.

Given that she and Paul were inseparable; it is difficult to tell her story without telling his; however, make no mistake, she was her own person and driven by her love of the world and all the things that make it tick. In spite of her outside interests, it was her friends, family, and memories of Paul, that she reflected on when she woke, and when she laid down to rest at night.

But it was Alexa; who in the waning hours of daylight would remind her that it was time to watch Lester Holt, with a glass of ice and a splash of white wine; and if she decided to have something sweet, and a glass of red before bed; well, that would be just fine.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given to Brenhamchildrenschorus.com as this is something very near and dear to their hearts.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, located at 1306 W. Main Street, Brenham, Texas. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.