Billie Franks, 88
May 14, 1937 – July 12, 2025
TUPELO – Billie Rue Franks, 88, peacefully entered into eternity July 12, 2025, at Generations Senior Living in Tupelo. Born May 14, 1937, in the Ozark community of Itawamba County to Belle Zora and George Marvin Thrasher, she attended Houston Elementary School, Itawamba Agricultural High School, and Itawamba Community College.
She married her childhood sweetheart, Rudolph F. Franks on December 20, 1955, and they celebrated 63 wonderful years together.
A long-time member of Parkway Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday school teacher, flower committee member, and member of the sanctuary choir. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and was devoted to caring for her church family. Serving others and mentoring young women brought her great joy. Whether she was Mom, Mamaw, Nana, or friend, she was loved for her goodness, grace, and her ability to whip up your favorite meal. She leaves a legacy of love for her family, faithfulness to her church, and devotion to her friends. She embodied what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the Body of Christ.
She served her community through the Salvation Army Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, President of Elvis Presley Garden Club, and was a founding member of the Elvis Presley Commission. She worked tirelessly assisting with the planning of the Elvis Presley Fan week in August each year.
She is survived by her two daughters; Rosemary Rutledge (George) of Tupelo and Emily Osborne (George) of Midland, Michigan, six grandchildren; Clay Jarrell (Katie), Mary Claire Harris (Patrick), Kathryn Osborne (Brandon), by marriage the families of Holly Cernich (Tim), George Osborne (Heather) and Paul Osborne (Brittney), and great grandchildren William and Margaret Harris. She is also survived by a sister Sue Blaylock of Shawnee, Kansas, sister-in-law Juanita Knight of Dorsey, Mississippi and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rudolph Franks; a son, Jeffery Rudolph Franks; an infant daughter, Beth Angela Franks, three brothers-in-law, Harvey Franks, Coylen Franks, and Wayne Blaylock; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Franks and Jackie Franks.
A service celebrating her life will be held Tuesday July 15, 2025, at 2 PM at Parkway Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Brashier officiating. A committal service will follow at Fawn Grove Cemetery in Itawamba County. Visitation will be from 12 PM Noon to service time at the church. Holland Funeral Directors – Tupelo Chapel is honored to serve the family.
Pallbearers will be Perry Franks, Gary Franks, Andy Franks, Patrick Harris, Clay Jarrell, Greg Jarrell, George Osborne, George Rutledge, and Mark Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff at Generations Senior Living and her former caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parkway Baptist Church, 1301 Lee Street, Tupelo, MS 38801, or the charity of your choice.
We are thankful for the excellent care she received from the medical community in Tupelo along with her caregivers, Alene Holiday, Elsie Smith, Lela Green, Mary Gordon, the staff at Enhabit Hospice and Fox Therapy. The family wishes to thank Generations Senior Living for loving and caring for Billie Rue. She leaves behind many cherished friends at Generations.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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