Lila "Frankie" Frances Needham

Services to celebrate the life of Lila Frances "Frankie" Needham will be held on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home with burial to follow in Henry Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. until service time. Bro. Nathan Vanhorn will officiate the service.

Frankie was born at home in Marion, AR to Frank Russell and Viola Hood Russell on September 6, 1935 and grew up in Curtis Station, MS with her five sisters Becky, Mae, Nancy, Lynn and Teresa.

She was a graduate of Batesville High School in 1953 and went to Draughon’s Business School. As a successful homemaker, she served dinner promptly at 5 pm every night. She volunteered at her children’s schools, attended activities and was a Girl Scout Leader. Known for her spotless house, and beautiful gardens, she also made time for being a caregiver to older relatives and friends.

As much as Frankie loved life, she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ more. She was a long-time member of LaBelle Haven Baptist Church. After that, she and Jimmy were actively involved in New Bethel Baptist Church in Middleton, TN until they moved to Rossville, TN then became very active in First Baptist Church in Fisherville, TN. After her move to Corinth, MS in 2017, she attended First Baptist Church where she enjoyed her Sunday School Class, chopping vegetables on Wednesdays, and greeting people on Sunday mornings.

She passed peacefully at the age of 89 from this life into heaven on August 16, 2025, where she was reunited with the love of her life, James Bowden Needham. They met through a mutual acquaintance in Memphis, TN in 1954 and were married on June 4, 1955. They had three daughters, Cheryl, Teri and Tammi who were born and raised in Whitehaven, TN.

Frankie had several hobbies that included gardening, canning, arts and crafts and eating ice cream (being her favorite that she would not share). She was best known for her quick wit, compassion, and fierce love for her family. Whenever you were with her, you were never bored, never felt alone and always felt loved. She left a great legacy behind and will be cherished and missed by many. Frankie touched so many lives in her lifetime and was loved by all that met her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Bowden Needham, May 22, 2011, mother, Viola Hood Russell, January 25, 2010, father, Frank Russell, December 7, 1978, sisters Nancy Russell Pearson, January 14, 2002, Rebecca Jean Myers, May 19, 2017, and Mae Felts, February 10, 2024.

Frankie is survived by her daughters: Cheryl (Mike) Ailinger of Franklin, TN, Teri (Doug) Ping of Mt. Pleasant, MS, and Tammi (Randy) Frazier of Corinth, MS. She was blessed with six grandchildren: Parks Frazier (Caroline), Carie Cumbee (Matt), Mark Nesbit, Erin Montgomery (Sam), Baylor Frazier (Mary Helen), Cooper Frazier and seven great-grandchildren: Riley, Macy & Caleb Cumbee, Trace, Lila Katherine & Banks Frazier, and Margot Montgomery. She leaves two surviving sisters: Lynn Simmerman and Teresa Hardin (John). She also leaves a godson, Nick Scott.

Pallbearers will be Mike Ailinger, Doug Ping, Mark Nesbit, Randy Frazier, Parks Frazier, Baylor Frazier and Cooper Frazier.

Frankie asked that she be remembered for her love of God, family, her church and friends.

Philippians 4:11,13

11. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” 13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Online condolences can be left at www.MemorialCorinth.com for the Needham family.

Arrangements are under the care of Memorial Funeral Home.