Betty Tugman Frank

Betty Tugman Frank, 81, of Madison, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Huntsville Hospital Hospice.  Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James “Jim” Patterson Frank, Sr., and her five siblings, Ruby DePalma, William Tugman, Effie Shelton, Eugene Tugman, and Elsie Huebner. 

Betty was born September 11, 1941, in Washington D.C.  She married Jim on October 8, 1960, and the young couple welcomed their four children Lorraine Marie Anderson (Madison, AL), James Patterson Frank, Jr. (St. Pete, FL), Kimberley Frank Engebretson (Tampa, FL) and Christina Frank Kieser (Chesapeake, VA). She is survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy in their accomplishments.

Betty and Jim moved to Clearwater, Florida in 1970, where they raised their children.  Betty was involved in local politics and held many leadership positions in the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, an international Women’s friendship network.  In 1978, the family returned to the Metro DC area, where Betty held several positions in healthcare office administration. Following husband Jim’s long-term career with Honeywell Aerospace, Betty and the kids returned to Florida for a few years, followed by a move to Colorado Springs, Colorado, before their final move to Huntsville in 1987.

Over the course of her life, Betty had many different careers, but all took advantage of her creativity, including floral designer, wedding caterer, jewelry designer, and sacristan.  Betty was a long-time parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she was involved in many ministries.  Betty had a large friend group who enjoyed spending time together, traveling, and hosting dinner parties, book clubs, and occasional tea parties. 

Betty also enjoyed spending time at her lake house in Crossville, Tennessee.  As the Queen Bee of the family, her lakeside retreat was called ‘Queenie’s Corner’ and was the epicenter of many family gatherings, especially over the Fourth of July holiday.  Betty loved hosting her children and grandchildren, playing games (especially Euchre), listening to music, sharing stories by the campfire, and eating great food! 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Madison, Alabama. The family will be hosting a reception following Mass. 

Instead of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Huntsville Hospital Hospice, or the American Breast Cancer Foundation.