Margaret Loreta Franks' Obituary
Margaret Loreta Franks, 86 of Mesquite, Texas, passed away on October 16, 2017 in Dallas, TX. She was born on December 16, 1930 to William H Porter and Bessie Cloud Porter. Margaret was raised in Murchison, Texas as the eighth of nine siblings and half-siblings. She and her brothers and sisters remained close throughout their lives.Margaret married Jim Franks on July 9, 1949 in Rockwall, TX, and the couple settled in Mesquite. She helped to run the family printing business for over 16 years until Jim eventually retired. During that time, Margaret also raised three children and two grandchildren and cared for the children of many friends and family as well.She was a nurturer. It’s as if she held a secret bond with the children she cared for that kept them on their best behavior around her (except Susie, of course!). She cared for her family in many ways – through her encouraging words, her infinite wisdom, her pointed sense of humor and her comforting, home-cooked meals.Margaret loved to entertain. She told stories of hosting dinner parties in her first home with Jim and entertaining large groups of family and friends, even before her kitchen was fully furnished. Later in life, her home became the center for every family gathering. Margaret had a servant’s heart and always looked to please others before herself.She was a strong woman of faith. Margaret never missed a morning without reading the scripture over a warm cup of coffee. She set an example to her entire family by choosing to follow Christ throughout her whole life. Margaret never worried about anything, but instead prayed about everything and trusted God’s plan to guide her and her loved ones through any difficult time.She is preceded in death by her son, James E. Franks, Jr., daughter-in-law, Donna Franks, and son-in-law Monroe Blankinship. Margaret is survived by her husband, James E. Franks, Sr.; daughters, Terri Blankinship of Rockwall, Texas and Susan (Lynn) Morris of Heath, Texas; Grandchildren, Jeff (Stacy) Franks of Dallas, Texas and Katelyn Morris of Dallas, TX;Sister, Laodice Brown of Athens, Texas; Brother, Bob (Sandra) Porter of Lumberton, Texas; Sisters-in-law, Mary Porter of Carrollton, Texas and Odessa Porter of Grand Saline, Texas.The family will be receiving friends on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 1:30PM to 3:00PM at Restland Funeral Home. Services will begin at 3:30PM at Restland Cemetery.
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