Françoise Garnot Lookenbill

Françoise Garnot Lookenbill was born in Paris, France. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Captain Lawrence C. Lookenbill, her first husband Roy Phillips, her parents Louis and Herminie Laurans Garnot, sisters Marinette Trubert Toque, Ginette Trubert Lefaure, Herminie Garnot Le Tallec, Louise Garnot Claveau, and brother Louis Garnot.

Growing up in post-war Paris, Françoise was deeply influenced by the art in the city. She loved seeing beautiful art not just in museums, but around the city as well. She took art classes and her teachers saw her potential. She once recounted that one of her Parisian art professors told her “Françoise, learn the technique all you can, then forget it and paint with your guts!” This advice guided her art creation for the rest of her life.

In 1965, Françoise met and married Roy Phillips (US Army) in France where they welcomed daughter, Valerie. Tragically, Staff Sgt. Phillips was killed while on active duty at Fort Irwin, California. Later, Françoise met Lawrence Lookenbill (USMC) and they were married in Los Angeles, California. This happy family of three soon became a family of five with the births of sons Derric and Damien. While Françoise had many passions, her children were the joy of her life. 

While Françoise had many passions, her children were the joy of her life. Anyone who had the pleasure of eating a meal cooked by Françoise would know that she was an incredible gourmet chef. On special occasions her family indulged in bouillabaisse or beef bourguignon that she spent hours preparing. Françoise continued to prepare weekly meals to gather her family and even the simplest menu began with a good baguette, brie, and wine.

Françoise was a passionate, dedicated, and accomplished artist who developed her skills by being a voracious student of art. She studied with Mr. Li and Ms. Caldwell (San Diego), but also scoured materials to understand more about master painting. Only later in her life did Françoise show her work publicly. As a younger person, she did not wish to show her work. However, as she matured, she began to show her work in the hopes that she would leave a lasting legacy for her children. You may view her art work online at Pictorem using this link.

Unique to her generation, Françoise loved technology and was always eager to try out the newest devices. After she became widowed in 2019, she found herself living alone for the first time. She used her knowledge and enthusiasm for technology and created a Facebook group to connect like-minded people to join in discussion, conversation, and debate. She took pride and pleasure in coming up with topics that would provoke thought and spark creativity. Her family is extremely grateful to the members of the Facebook group: “Artists 65-99+ Years Old - Unique Older Artists Society” for engaging in conversation, friendship, and community. Because of you,

Françoise always had a lot to look forward to and you filled her life with encouragement, joy, and purpose. We hope she did the same for you!

Françoise is survived by her three adored children: Valerie McClennahan (husband Gary), Derric Lookenbill (wife Sara), Damien Lookenbill (wife Stephanie). In addition, she is survived by her cherished grandchildren Stefan McClennahan (companion Samantha) and Kyle McClennahan (companion Darrion), Devin Lookenbill (wife Natalie), Sophia Lookenbill, Scarlett Lookenbill, Judson Lookenbill, and many beloved extended family members.

Interment will be held privately at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery