Mildred Franks Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mildred Franks, was born on Wednesday, May 20, 1931 in Effingham, South Carolina. She gracefully bowed out, as she said, on Monday, May 3, 2021. She was proceeded in death by her parents Robert and Lillie Franks and eldest daughter Cassandra A. Riley. Upon hearing her medical diagnoses and chances of surviving surgery, she said, “Well, I think I’ll just bow out gracefully. I thank God for the 90 good years, many people cannot say that! Whatever my Lord decides is alright with me.” Shalom. Her children, as did many others, affectionally called her “Meh” and her grands called her “Grandma” or “Gramps”. As the eldest daughter and keeping to southern tradition, she was called “Sister” by her family. She graduated from Wilson High School in May of 1951. She was baptized at Mount Rona Baptist Church at an early age. She began her career as a beautician and seamstress making most of her clothes as well as tent dresses and bell bottoms for her daughters. In her early twenties she moved to Baltimore, MD and worked as a social worker before dedicating 40 years to the State of Maryland in juvenile services, retiring July 2010 at the age of 79. It is not an understatement to say she devoted her life to her family! Her memory will be cherished by: Children: son Brenden George Franks (Diana), daughters Cynthia J. Riley, Julendia C. Gaillard (Stanley) of Raleigh, NC and special daughter Veronique Johnson; Grandchildren: Natisha Riley, Bryan Franks (Lauren), Jonae Cooks, Brandis Mayfield (Mitchell), Stacey English (Joshua) of Virginia Beach, VA and Stephanie Gaillard of Raleigh, NC; Great grandchildren: Sadé Riley (Willie), Zhané Riley, Quartez Jennings, DeZhon Riley, Nehemiah Cooks “movie selector”, Alexandra Bombach, Amanda Trotman, Avanna Trotman, Brayden Franks and Alana Franks, Mali Overton; Great-Great grandchildren: Carson Jennings and King Bellamy; Siblings: brother King Brolin Franks (Joyce); sister Ella Franks McAllister of South Carolina; Honorable grandchildren Jonathan Overton (Keina) “blueberries”, Kiara Gross, Monique Jones and Tiffany Heigh; Host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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Mildred Franks

May 20, 1931 - May 3, 2021