Obituaries

Frances Franklin

Photo of Frances Franklin
Frances Stark Franklin, age 85 of Heber Springs, passed away Monday, May 2, 2016. She was born November 19, 1930 in Jonesboro, Ark., to the late Mary Caruthers. She was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University where she received her B.A. and M.A. as well as The Department of English Writing Award and Department of Education Award. During her time at Louisiana Tech University she served as president of the Tech Theatre Players and the National Theatre Players. She was also a member of Alpha Psi Omega, Pi Epsilon Delta, Epsilon Tau Delta, and was sweetheart of Phi Lamda Chi. She also earned post-graduate hours from Northeast Louisiana University. Frances was an Associate Professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. During her tenure she received numerous awards including Teacher of the Year, Who's Who in American Women, and Who's Who in American Entertainment. Frances was the founder/director of the Children's Theatre Program which was funded by the Endowment of the Arts and recognized by the Children's Theatre Program of the John F. Kennedy Center. She also served as a member of the Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect under Governor Bill Clinton. The committee submitted over 100 bills to provide protection for children. She was a Baptist who taught Bible Classes for over 50 years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alton Dale Franklin. Frances is survived by two daughters, Carol Ann Jordan of Heber Springs and Merry Grogan of Spring City, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Kimberly Jordan, James, Tommy, and Jason Williams; nine great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Private Graveside Services were held Friday, May 6, 2016 at Cook Cemetery in Ruston, La. Memorials may be made to The Other Side Ministries, P.O. Box 1142, Heber Springs, Ark. 72543. Online guest book at www.bishopkingfuneralhome.com.

Published May 8, 2016

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