Rita Franks

Rita Tullis Franks, age 83, of Coldspring, TX, peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at home. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Ed Tullis and Leola Maddox Tullis; husband, James Clay Franks; brother, Charlie Tullis; and sisters, Bonnie Marriott and Nita Haveron. Rita and her twin sister Nita were born on December 15, 1932, to parents Ed and Janie Tullis. Rita was filled with the Holy Ghost on March 21, 1948, and thus began her lifelong work for God. Rita was married to James C. Franks on July 8, 1951, in Bryan, TX, by her first pastor, Rev. L. O. Manning. Rita bore son Jimmy, daughter Terrye, and son Jason while living in Bryan. The family then moved to Houston, TX, where Rita attended church under pastors Rev. Guy C. Broadway and Rev. O. R. Fauss. Rita and James then moved to Coldspring, TX; and, in May 1991, Rita began attending the Apostolic Pentecostal Church under Rev. Phil Runge. Rita was a beautiful, strong and wise woman of faith, and she was always about her Father's business. Although her body was ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, she never failed to give an encouraging word to others or in her faithfulness to God. God was faithful to Rita as well. She is once again straight and tall, dancing on streets of gold with those whom she loved so much and went before her. Rita had no greater joy than to hear that her children walked in truth. Her desire was for each of us to prepare to join her in heaven. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jimmy Clayton Franks and wife Pamela Gail, and Jason Mark Franks and wife Rebecca Janell; daughter, Terrye June Lee; grandchildren, Roland Clay Franks, Jason Christopher Lee, and Jami Renee Lee; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and other loving family and treasured friends. Visitation for Rita will be held at Shepherd United Pentecostal Church located at 1140 State Hwy 150, Shepherd, Texas 77371, on Friday, March 25, 2016, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Funeral services will commence at 1:00 pm at the Shepherd United Pentecostal Church. Interment will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Pastor Phil Runge, Pastor Aaron Haveron officiating. All services were handled under the trusted care of Neal Funeral Home.

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