Barbara J Franks

Born on December 6, 1943, in Beaumont, Texas, to Ella Jean and Solon Ralph Jennings, Barbara grew up with her siblings Jean and Ralph in Harlingen, Texas, and graduated from Harlingen High School. She earned a degree in education from Texas Tech University, laying the foundation for a life rooted in love, service, and family.

Barbara will be remembered for a life well lived – small but mighty, her father once described her – she was filled with joy, purpose, and devotion to those she loved. Children were drawn to her warmth, gentleness, and sparkling eyes that always saw the good in them. Barbara’s love for children was reflected in a decades-long career as a kindergarten and preschool teacher. Her classroom was a place of laughter, discovery, and kindness, often filled with the sounds of Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World – a song she played for her students and embodied in spirit.

She shared a lifelong love affair with her husband Larry. Their bond began during a date on a Saturday night hayride in the summer before their senior year of high school. It endured 64 years, including 59 years of marriage. Together, they built a life anchored in faith, family, and abiding love.

Barbara had a gift for making things grow – plants, children, relationships, and love. She enjoyed planting ivy baskets and geraniums, a passion she inherited from her father. She favored vivid blues and greens in her garden and home. Barbara nurtured lifelong friendships with care, fell in love with her husband to the songs of Johnny Mathis, and indulged in the occasional sundae for lunch. She adored cute dogs, baked chewy chocolate chip cookies, and created a home where the kitchen was always full of warmth. She found joy in hosting family meals and, as she liked to say, "having all of my people's feet under my table." She was the heart and shepherd of her extended family.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Franks; her daughters, Laurie (Paul) Campbell and Melanie Franks; her son, Kevin (Sharene) Franks; her cherished grandchildren Kyle Campbell, Carter Campbell, Caleb Franks, and Cora Franks (who knew her as Granny); her sister, Jean Prechel; her brother, Ralph Jennings; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Barbara’s strength was quiet but unshakable. Her generosity was abundant. Her presence brought calm, comfort, and care.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – Psalm 116:15

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Barbara’s memory to Hospice Austin or the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.