of Beebe, AR
May 4, 1938 - July 25, 2025
Lawanda Mae Franks, 87, of Beebe, Arkansas went to her heavenly home on July 25, 2025. She was born in Jonesboro on May 4, 1938 to the late Gerald and Viola Cannemore Veal.
Lawanda was a loving wife and mother and a devoted follower of Christ. She enjoyed 51 years of marriage to her husband, J. H. Franks, before his passing in 2007. She was an excellent seamstress and made clothes for her kids growing up. In addition to being a homemaker, she worked in the circulation dept. at the Daily Citizen for years. Her love of the Lord could be felt in everything she did. She praised him with her voice and works and was a true example of Christianity in action. She will be dearly missed.
Along with her parents, Lawanda is preceded in death by her husband, J. H. Franks; granddaughter, April Tounzen and son-in-law, Chester Waters Sr.
Left to cherish her memory are 2 sons, John (Donna) Franks and Steve (Sharon) Franks; 4 daughters, Delena (Steve) Smallfoot, Karyn Waters, Julie James and Dayna Franks; 17 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren and one sister, Geraldine Reeves.
A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. Funeral services will be at 2 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home. Interment will follow at White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy, Arkansas.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012683546.
Ms Wanda was very special to me and will be greatly missed. And I am keeping all of you in prayer for comfort and leading. With love.
My condolences to Geraldine in the death of her sister. My deepest sympathy to the family!
Pat Willcockson Morris
So sorry for your loss praying for family and friends. Sending hugs '
Sorry for you loss heaven has gain an angel love Aunt Lawanda and she will be missed love you all and wish I could be there
You will be missed. Tell the family in Heaven that I love and miss them.
I love you Soulmate. I miss you more than words can express but I'm so happy for you that you made it home. You are so loved and so missed. I love you so much!
You will be missed dearly and my heart goes out to the family.
She was such a sweet person. It was my honor to call her friend.
She was my dear cousin and I will miss her.
Thoughts and prayers
I'm sending love and prayers for this wonderful family. I know she's singing with the angles. She was such a funny lady and will be missed by many. Love you all!
Sorry for your loss She will be missed a wonderful Lady. Your with my Mother now .keep her company until I get there Love Curtis Burns "
I will never forget you my dear sweet friend. God puts the right people in your path when you need it most. The day we met was gods blessing for sure. Thank you family for sharing your mom, grandma with this gal. She will always occupy a very special place in my heart. Love you all'
I am sorry for your loss. Your mom was so sweet I am praying for you and your family. I am here if you would like to talk love you God will be with you
So sorry praying for you all love you
It was an honor knowing this woman with a heart of gold. Praying for the family in their time of loss.
Sister LaWanda was one of the most kind and Godly women I've known. I absolutely loved her and how she loved me.
LaWanda was a good friend and even though I haven't seen her in a long time we often kept in touch through texting and Facebook. I will miss her being in this world but I know she is in a better place and I will see her again. I am sorry for your loss to all her children. She was a great Mom to you all.
I love you Mema.
Many memories of our times spent together prayers for your family
Extending grace and prayers to those who knew and loved her.