JESSE FRANKS SR.

December 25, 1921 - December 26, 2011

Jesse Franks, Sr., 90, of Woodbridge VA, formerly of Kankakee, IL, died peacefully at his home on Monday, December 26, 2011, after a very brief illness from renal failure. Visitation will be Friday, January 6, 2012 from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Lax Mortuary. Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at Caldwell Chapel AME Zion Church, 805 N. Evergreen, Kankakee, IL. Pastor Lori Holmes will officiate and Elder Jesse Franks Jr. will deliver the eulogy. Burial will be in Mound Grove Gardens of Memory. Jesse Franks was born in Parkins, Arkansas on December 25, 1921 to Andy and Dora Franks. He was a life-long resident of Kankakee, IL; only moving to Virginia to live with his daughter and son while successfully battling prostate cancer. Jesse was a steadfast member of Caldwell Chapel AME Zion Church where he served on the Usher Board. Mr. Franks was married to the former Louise Cochran, who preceded him in death. He was a World War II United States Army veteran. He previously served as a First Ward Alderman and County Board Member and was a Freemason, former boxer and coach. He retired from General Foods Corporation. His retirement was spent enjoying traveling to visit friends and relatives, fishing, gardening, hunting and enjoying friends and crossword puzzles at the Woodbridge Senior Day Program. He leaves to cherish his memory, two sons and daughters-in-law, Jesse Jr. and leWaun Franks of San Diego, CA and Earl and Ella Franks of Woodbridge, VA; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Shelia and Joseph Gulledge of Montclair, VA, Mildred and Mark Spriggs of Spotsylvania, VA and Lila Tate of Minneapolis, MN; one sister, Vanilla Hudson of Kankakee, IL; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, neighbors and community.