Mary Fran Abney

Mary Frances Abney, a longtime Topeka resident originally from Marion, Illinois, peacefully passed away at the age of 93 on June 20, 2026. Born on November 14, 1932, to Charlie and Bertie Johns, Fran was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness, warmth, and enduring spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Growing up in Southern Illinois, Fran developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong commitment to her family. She met and married her husband Maurice, a USAF fighter pilot, in 1953, and they began their lives together, moving from base to base across the USA and Germany. Over the next several years, Fran and Maurice added two sons to their family, who became the center of Fran’s world. Her life was forever changed shortly thereafter when Maurice was severely injured in an automobile accident in Germany and was disabled for the remainder of his life. For the next 40 years, until his death, Fran was his caretaker, helping him maintain as normal a life as possible. Maurice’s accident led Fran and the family to Topeka, where Maurice was able to receive care at the local Veterans hospital. It was also at this time that Fran began her professional careerat the Menninger Foundation Children's Center, where she worked until her retirement. Following retirement, Fran remained active, working part-time as a receptionist at Hair Productions until she was 80.

Fran loved reading, and upon her death she contributed over 1000 books to the local library. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, shopping, and never missed an episode of NCIS.

Her legacy of love, grace, and resilience will live on through the generations of family she leaves behind.

Fran is survived by her devoted family, including her two sons, Kelly Abney (Brenda) and Jay Abney (Deborah). She will also be dearly missed by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as a large circle of extended family and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Sid Johns, and her sister Violet Jeter, as well as several cherished family members who welcomed her home.

A celebration of Fran's long and meaningful life will be held with family and friends.

• Visitation Topeka, KS: Wednesday, June 24th from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue.

• Visitation Marion, IL: Saturday, June 27th from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, with burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.

In place of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Fran’s honor to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, her favorite charity.

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