Amelia Williams Frankum

Mrs. Amelia (Williams) Frankum, of Heber Springs, formerly of Newport, entered the presence of the Lord on Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Batesville, at the age of 73. She was born July 26, 1942, in Mobile, Ala., the first child of Dr. Thomas Earl "T.E." Williams and Clyde (Kendrick) Williams. Mrs. Frankum was a 1960 graduate of Newport High School. Following high school, she attended Lindenwood College for Women in St. Charles, Mo., earning a Bachelor of Education in Home Economics. Mrs. Frankum continued her education earning a Master's in Counseling. After receiving her Master's, she taught Home Economics in West Memphis for several years. Miss Amelia Williams became acquainted with Dr. Jerry Morris Frankum Jr., in Newport, and they were married at the First United Methodist Church at Newport on Feb. 5, 1967. The couple lived in Memphis for several years and in 1969 made their home in Newport and were beloved members of Jackson County and surrounding areas for the next 42 years. They raised two daughters, were faithful members of their church, and as a couple and as individuals always gave more of themselves than was ever expected. The First Baptist Church in Newport was the church home of the Frankums during their forty plus years in Newport. While in Newport, Mrs. Frankum was a Sunday school teacher, and served diligently on numerous committees and projects for the benefit of the church. Dr. and Mrs. Frankum were instrumental in the building of the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Newport. Following Dr. Frankum's retirement, they moved to Heber Springs in 2006, where they became members of the Heber Springs First Baptist Church. Mrs. Frankum referred to her last 10 years in Heber Springs as some of the best times of her life. She had a true heart of a servant, and was always an active volunteer. Mrs. Frankum served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader while raising her daughters; she was a member of the Newport Service League, and an American Red Cross volunteer. Because of her hard work during the flood at Jacksonport in the 80's, she received the Arkansas Volunteer Award. Mrs. Frankum was a member and past president of the Town and Country Garden Club, and PEO Chapter R remained an active member of PEO after moving to Heber Springs, transferring her membership to the PEO Chapter DB. She was an avid Bridge player. Mrs. Frankum served on the board of Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge for several years. She was a consummate homemaker and hostess. She enjoyed sewing, needlepoint and knitting. Mrs. Frankum was a master gardener. She loved a party, loved to attend parties and was always a most gracious hostess. Mrs. Frankum loved life. She was interested in everyone and genuinely wanted to celebrate the happy moments and offer comfort during the sad moments with anyone with whom she came in contact. Mrs. Frankum will be forever remembered for her genuinely kind and loving spirit, and by those who loved her most as the best mother, grandmother, and friend. Mrs. Frankum was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Dr. Jerry M. Frankum Jr. on March 29, 2013; and her parents. She is survived by two daughters, Kendrick Frankum Thompson and husband, Tommy of Memphis, Tenn. and Dr. Caroline Frankum Carlton and husband, Heath of Batesville; four beloved granddaughters, Sumner Thompson, Lizzie Thompson, Emma Carlton, and Lucy Carlton. Also surviving are her brother, Thomas K. Williams of Rosie and sister, Martha Latham of Ridgeland, Miss.; and several dear friends whom she loved as sisters. The Frankum family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving care extended to their mother and grandmother by Sharon Scott and the staff of White River Medical Center. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Tuesday, July 5, 2016, 6-8 p.m. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at Heber Springs First Baptist Church with interment in Heber Springs Cemetery. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Eugene Zuber, Wally Steen, Jack Gentry, Jim Lambert, Barry Moore, and Wayne Foushee. To light a memorial candle, leave a message of condolence, or sign the guest register, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.