Jessie Nell Franks

Jessie Nell Scott Franks was born in Waterloo, Alabama on August 11, 1941, the daughter of the late Jess Franklin Scott and Della Mae Steely Scott.

On August 10, 1962, she was united in marriage to Marlin Dwain Franks, who survives.

Jessie Nell, as she was known by everyone, worked for Brown Shoe Company until having her first child and then served her family as a homemaker until her passing. Family was so important to her. She loved, cared for and prayed for each of her children all their lives and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren could do no wrong. Jessie Nell loved cooking and feeding people. If you were ever fortunate enough to have a meal in her home and you left without having seconds or taking leftovers, she would be highly offended. She always made more food than necessary because everyone had to have their favorite and she could not be dissuaded from doing so. She spent many years as a seamstress, making clothes for her girls as they were growing up. She enjoyed gardening together with her husband, canning and freezing food to have and share with family and friends. Jessie Nell’s favorite season was spring as it reminded her of new beginnings. Planting and tending to flowers always brought a smile to her face. She loved reading and studying the Bible and read it from cover to cover too many times to count. In later years, Jessie Nell spent many hours “circling the word”, doing jigsaw puzzles and coloring in her faith-based adult coloring books.

Jessie Nell along with her husband and children were long time members of First Assembly of God in Savannah, Tennessee. She later attended Peoples Tabernacle in Savannah, but in recent years when it became too difficult for her to get out, she spent countless hours watching Jimmy Swaggert. The thing that mattered most to her was her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a devoted Christian who put God first in every aspect of her life. It was very rare for her not to be humming or singing a hymn as she worked tirelessly serving her family. 

One of her favorite passages of Scripture is from John 3:16-17 KJV which states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." Jessie Nell longed for all her friends, family and loved ones to have a personal relationship with God. It was her fervent prayer to see them all in heaven one day.

She departed this life on August 13, 2024, in her home located in Savannah, Tennessee at the age of 83 years, and 2 days.

In addition to her husband of 62 years, Marlin Dwain Franks of Savannah, Tennessee, Jessie Nell is survived by her son, Ronald Franks (Fallon) of Savannah, Tennessee, daughter, Denita Franks of Powder Springs, Georgia, and daughter, Laressa Franks of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Brittany Rearden (Joseph) of Powder Springs, Georgia, Patrick Franks (Drew), Katie Holt (Jon Nathan), Micah Long and Matty Long, all of Savannah, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Luke Rearden, Cade Rearden, Allie Rearden, Ella Garrison, Cora Holt and Barron Franks; a sister, Inez Craig and a brother, Roy Lynn Scott both of Savannah, Tennessee.

Jessie Nell was preceded in death by her parents, Jess Franklin Scott and Della Mae Steely Scott, one sister, Marie Williams and one brother, Ovid Vernon Scott.

Jessie Nell will be greatly missed by her family and friends for her servant’s heart, her continuous prayers and her unwavering love for Jesus.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Darryl Worley Foundation.