Mary Franks

Daughter of Arnold and Mollie Smith Murphy, Mary was born in the Levy area of North Little Rock. She and her five brothers grew up and attended schools in the Levy and Oak Grove neighborhoods.
As a life-long member of Graves Memorial Baptist Church, she served her Lord in a variety of ways. For many years she was one of several church pianists/organist, church secretary, and along with her husband, Floyd B. Franks, Sr., they continued for years as church treasurers. As constant witnesses for Christ, Mary crafted small pocket crosses, each containing a copy of the poem The Cross In My Pocket so that Floyd always had a steady supply to give to everyone he met. Although there are no official records, we know there were hundreds of lives touched through this simple gesture.
Crocheting and crafting were the focus of Mary's life. Through her talents she also served God by crocheting many hundreds of "WE CARE" bags for the church, to then be filled with personal-care items and given to numerous groups throughout central Arkansas. In addition, she always found time to create gifts for family, friends, and friends of family.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband of 45 years, Floyd Franks, Sr.; brothers Earl Murphy and wife Mary, Albert Murphy, Leo Murphy and wife Frances.
Survived by two children, Floyd Franks, Jr. (Geniece), Molly Wellman (Charles): two grandchildren, Jaime Davis and Charlie S. Wellman; four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Brooklynn, Ricky, and Charlie; two brothers, Ira Murphy (Crystal), Tommy Murphy (Rose Marie), and sister-in-law, Evleen Murphy; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces/ nephews, family, friends and special friends, Geraldine, Mary Catherine, Faye, and Doris.
Visitation: Friday, January 26, 2018 at 12:00 p.m., service follows at 1:00 p.m., both at Graves Memorial Baptist Church (GMBC), NLR. Burial to follow at Edgewood Memorial Park, NLR. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Franks requested memorials be made to the childrens' Summer Camp ministry at GMBC.