Celia Frances Bitter: July 7, 1944 - September 30, 2025

Celia Frances Bitter was born on July 7, 1944, to James Nelson Parker Jr. (Buddy) and Natalie Englke Parker in Palestine, Texas. The family moved to the Brazosport area where Frances attended Brazosport High School. She then attended The University of Texas where she met Harold Niels Bitter and graduated with a degree in Business. Frances and HN were married for 59 years, living in Lake Jackson, Texas, before moving to Fort Clark Springs in Bracketville, Texas, in 2019. Frances worked for Brazoria County as Systems Analyst for 23 years.

Facts and figures don’t come close to expressing who Frances was to so many. She was daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, beloved aunt, tireless volunteer and precious friend. Frances had a knack for organizing and leadership. She served her church families tirelessly as choir and council member. She served as Junior Service League president and held multiple offices at the Brazosport Center for the Arts and Sciences. Brazosport Center Stages flourished as she Produced and Stage-Managed multiple shows; and utilized her carpentry skills building sets for many more. “You gotta love a woman with her own tool belt” was voiced by many of her co-workers on stage sets. She served as Business Manager for the Brazosport Symphony and was a member of the Symphony League. After their move to Brackettville, Frances quickly became a valued resident at Fort Clark Springs as she organized events and celebrations. Her love of tennis continued through two knee replacements, she was formidable on the court.

Frances and HN spent many wonderful days at their ranch near Brackettville, four-wheeling, hunting, relaxing and enjoying nature. Together with their good friends Carol and Bob Bohley, Frances and HN visited Germany, Russia, Italy, Greece, Africa, England, Ireland as well as other countries. At the time of her death Frances had plans to visit German Christmas Markets and Tuscany, a bucket list item for her.

But her greatest love was her granddaughter, Harlow. Together they had a light of their own as they explored and read and traveled and played. Frances delighted in taking Harlow skiing, to Minnesota, to Colorado but the best trip they took together was to the Galapagos Islands last summer where the tortoises were as big as Harlow. What memories she gave Harlow to cherish forever.

Celia Frances Bitter left this life on September 30, 2025. She is predeceased by her parents, husband HN, and sister Joyce Louise (Parker) Tankersley. She is mourned by her son David Niels Bitter, granddaughter Harlow Natalie Bitter, brother-in-law Jim Tankersley. She loved and took pride in her nieces and nephews: Dennis Tankersley and wife Krysta; Jennifer Rickets and husband Cory; Kathryn Tankersley and husband Thomas Cooper; Benjamin Tankersley and wife Cayla. Great nieces and nephews who will know of her through family stories: Parker, Samantha and Rowan Tankersley; Noah and Ally Rickets; Elliot and Oscar Cooper-Tankersley.