Ruth Franks

Ruth Agnes Thomas Franks, age 98, joined the heavenly celebration with her Lord Jesus Christ and her cherished family and friends that awaited her arrival, on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. She was born in Blow Horn, Lamar County, Alabama on December 23, 1914 to James Anderson and Grace Agnes Smith Thomas, who preceded her in death. She moved to Birmingham and attended Kennedy Elementary and Woodlawn High Schools, graduating at age16. She attended Wheeler Business College, but decided to become the beautiful young bride of the tall, dark and handsome young man that she saw crossing the street. Ellie Mims Franks, Jr. was her love at first sight and remained that until his death in 1997. We know Daddy was next in line behind Jesus to welcome her to her eternal home.

She was a long time member of Ruhama Baptist Church and after the closing of the church, she joined Huffman Baptist Church and enjoyed going so much until health and mobility problems prevented her from attending. She would often ask friends and family - "Did you go to church today?". She prayed for all her family, one by one each day. She was truly a Christian witness to others. She was very active in Sunday School, WMU and the PTA. Ruth was a devoted member of the Pinellas Garden Club for 50 years. She was the " True Southern Lady", with talents for decorating, cooking and preparing parties for families and friends. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with her turkey, dressing and cinnamon apples could never be matched. She was a very intelligent woman and avid reader with a strong desire to keep on learning. Our family's true matriarch. She was also known as the Gold Dollar Fairy for delighting children and some deserving adults with a surprise gold dollar. She received more joy from this simple act of kindness than the recipient.

She was preceded in death by an infant sister, Helen; two brothers, Ruble (Mary Jo) and Alverson Thomas; granddaughter, Bridget Payne Beasley; grandson, Paul E. Crenshaw, Jr.; son-in-laws, L. Marshall Strange, Sr., Paul E. Crenshaw, Sr.; John D. Payne; and Donald W. Jackson, Sr.; granddaughter-in-laws, Sheila Strange and Elizabeth Strange.

Ruth is survived by three devoted and loving daughters, Ruth Grace F. Strange Crenshaw; Carolyn Ann F. Payne; Mary Elliene F. Jackson. Brother, Ralph Middleton Thomas (Shirley). Grandsons, L. Marshall Strange Jr., Dean E. Strange, Sr., Robert E. Payne, Rodney Beasley, Nick L. Souleotes (Carolyn), Louis M. Souleotes (Terry) and Donald W. Jackson, Jr. Granddaughters, April P. Clouser, and Amy J. Moffatt (Michel). Great-granddaughters, Christi C. Glasscock (Nathan), Camille B. Danieli (David), Candace B. Swindal (Jacob), Ashley C. Bohman (David), Lindsay Grace Moffatt. Great-grandsons, Aiden Crenshaw, Dean E. Strange, Jr., Brad Beasley, Daniel Beasley, Corbin Clouser (Stephanie), Robert L. Souleotes, Derek A. Souleotes, Donald W. Jackson III, Patrick A. Jackson; Michel G. Moffatt, Jr. Great-great-granddaughters, Virginia Blackstock, Ellie Mae Glasscock, Riley P. Swindal. Great-great grandsons, Mason Swindal, Jack Bohman.

Visitation will be at 1:00 with Chapel service at 2:00 on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at Jefferson Memorial Gardens - Trussville. Brother Larry Smith officiating.

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff of Evercare Hospice for their care, help and concern during Mother's illness. Flowers are graciously accepted or if you so desire donations to Huffman Baptist Church would also be appreciated.