Stella Inez (Aunt Nesie) Franks

Stella Inez Franks, (Aunt Nesie), 83, passed away on March 10, 2017.  She was born to the Reverend Thomas and Eva Franks on February 2, 1934.  She was a member of Philippi Baptist Church and was a graduate of Carson Newman College, Carver School of Missions and Belmont University with an emphasis in missions.  She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  She was the WMU Director for Knox County and was employed by the Cleveland Public Library where she retired.

Although she had no children of her own, she helped raise all of her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and church friends.  She was affectionately known as “Aunt Nesie”.  As a teenager she accepted God’s call to missions and she dedicated her entire life to spreading God’s love.

She was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Lee Ownby, H.L. Moore, and Harlen Smith.

She was survived by her sister, Zetta Ownby Moore, Velma Smith, Dennis and Dot Franks and countless nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2017 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Sammy Hooker and Reverend Alan Lovelace officiating.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please make donations to the Philippi Baptist Church Building Fund, 2484 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Franks family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.