Jackie Franks

Jackie Miller Franks, 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 28, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. A celebration of Jackie's life will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025. There will be a visitation at 9:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas.

Jackie was born January 22, 1939, to Jack and Jewel (Spruill) Miller in Gorman, Texas. She grew up in DeLeon, Texas and attended DeLeon schools. On June 10, 1955 she married Jay "Hacker" Franks and they spent most of their lives together in Abilene. After the death of Hacker in 2016, she moved to Dallas in 2018 to live closer to her daughters.

Jackie spent her career working with and supporting children. She started as a preschool teacher at Faith Christian School and later worked for over 17 years as a school cafeteria cook. She served at Jefferson Junior High, Dyess Elementary, Cooper High School, and finally retired from Jackson Elementary in 1992.

Jackie was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was defined by love, faith, and kindness. She had a friendly and a loving spirit, serving not only as a dedicated wife and mother but also as a self-sacrificing caregiver who consistently put the needs of others above her own. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church for almost 60 years until her move to Dallas.

She embodied hospitality and kindness, always welcoming others with her warm and friendly smile. A gifted cook, she took great joy in preparing chicken tenders and breadsticks for her grandsons, while creating special memories with everyone in her kitchen. As a talented seamstress, she would often stay up late to perfect an outfit for one of her daughters. With her subtle sense of humor, she had a remarkable ability for catching others off guard with her quick wit. In addition to her deep love for family, she was also very fond of sweets, was obsessed with well-manicured lawns, and babied her Schnauzers.

She is survived by her two daughters, Becky Young and husband Trennon of Stephenville, Janet Smith and husband Chris Smith of Dallas; three grandsons, Zach Young and wife Tiffany of Pflugerville, Jordan Young and wife Victoria of Dallas; and Eli Smith of Dothan, Alabama; and one great-granddaughter Rylee Young of Dallas.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, her parents, and sister Virginia Duffel.