Erminia Franco

Erminia “Nana” Franco, 82, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2021.

Erminia married her beloved husband, Ruben on September 14, 1957, they made their home in Big Spring, Texas.  Two years later their beautiful family started, and they went on to have six children. In 1969, they moved their family to Arkansas to make better for them.  They would raise their children in Sherwood where they shared many memories watching their kids grow and get involved in sports. She loved attending the games of her kids and later the grandkids.  She brought life to the stands when anyone of hers’ came up.  Her name may have been Erma but “Nana” was not just for her grandchildren.  Many friends of her kids/grandkids called her by that name as well. It was because she always had a way of welcoming anyone that she met.  Many friends were made throughout her life and cherished. Anyone on Facebook can attest that there’s doubt she was friends with everyone and don’t think she wouldn’t comment finishing off with her LOL.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Erminia also loved her sports teams, and she didn’t make qualms about it Dallas Cowboys were her favorite and in college it was Texas Longhorns.  She bowed her head daily praying for her family and attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church. She held an unwavering faith in God in which they raised and exposed their children to the knowledge of God and as she’d later say in a conversation it’s not about religion.  Her confidence in Jesus was what gave her the peace at the end and was evident to those who surrounded her.

She is survived by her six children Erma (Jeff Gray), Norma (George Collie), Emma Lou (Mark Harness), Ruben Franco Jr.(Susan), Mary(Billy) and Kathy(Mike Forrester) along with 28 Grandkids and 52 Great and 2 Great Great Grandchildren. She learned of 5 upcoming new arrivals prior to her passing and reacted with joy, the same as with each one she ever learned of. Her siblings, Margarito, David, Albert, Erlinda, Irene, Yolanda and Luisa. Her precious best friend Manuela (sister-in-law), in-laws, Salvador Bihl and Alicia Miller and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  And of course, “Loco”, her longtime devoted companion.

Erminia was proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Ruben. Her parents, Francisco and Merced, also 5 brothers, Francisco Jr., Trini, Leo, Carlos and Fred. 3 Sisters, Maria, Adela and Eufemia.      3 precious Granddaughters, Jayda, Ella Grace and Zoe

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the care givers at Baptist Health Hospital and Hospice for the provided support and comfort to both Mrs. Franco and family in the last week of her life.

A visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock on Monday, September 13th from 5-7 (Rosary Following).  Funeral Tribute on Tuesday, September 14th at 10 A.M.

Burial will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in North Little Rock.

Pallbearers include: Michael Gray, Josh Franco, Juan Franco, Jared Hornsby. Stephen Forrester and Isaiah Ederington.  Honorary are: Remaining Grandsons and Bennett and Nunie Escovedo

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.