Mary Elizabeth Creech Franks

Mary Elizabeth Creech Franks, 69, of Wilmington, NC, died Friday, July 10, 2009 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. She was born on October 11, 1939 in Kenansville, NC. Mrs. Franks was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a devoted longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Wilmington where she was also a member of the Relief Society. Her strong faith in the Lord carried her through many of life's trials. Known by many as ""Sweet Mary"" she will be remembered by family and friends for her love of children and her beautiful smile. Surviving is her son, Paul Henry Franks and wife Lee Ann of Burgaw, NC, her daughter, Debra Franks Blevins of Rocky Point, NC; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth ""Beth"" Franks, Daniel Franks, Amanda Costin, Orry Costin, Sidney Costin, Michael Franks, and Haywood Franks, III; six great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Ruth Rasmussen; a brother, Raeford Holmes; sister-in-law, Lucille Franks Gregory; many nieces and nephews; and special friend and neighbor, Brinston Powell. Remembered is her husband, Haywood Sylvester Franks, Sr., sons, Haywood Sylvester Franks, Jr. and Sidney Armond Franks, and an infant son, Benjamin Franks, all of whom preceded her in death. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, July 13, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Wilmington. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday, July 12, 2009 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel as well as one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Pallbearers will be Charles Brown, David Neely and elders from the church. The family would like to express a special note of thanks to her loving friend and caregiver, Danielle Baker Chavis and husband Anthony as well as their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff and volunteers at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center for the care and dedication shown to Mrs. Franks. Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or to the Alzheimer's Research Center, 15825 Grady Grove Rd. Suite 140, Rockville, MD 20850.