Effie O'dell Franks

Tupelo—Effie O’dell Hood Franks passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the North Mississippi Medical Center.  O’dell was born April 17, 1935 to Richard and Effie Sarah Nancy Rogers Hood.  She grew up in a large family in Mooreville with four sisters and three brothers.  She attended Mooreville School.  O’dell joined the workforce in Tupelo in the 1960’s.  She worked at Woolworth Department Store until it closed and then went to Woolco.  She also worked at Kermit’s Bakery.  She later worked for Venn Foods until her retirement.  She will always be remembered for her quick wit and humor.  She loved making people laugh.  She also remembered all the birthdays of her family members, even nieces and nephews.  She loved gardening and her yard was always filled with flowers.  O’dell also enjoyed listening to country music and taking care of her pets, Snowball, Baby Doll, Ginger, and Cocomo.

O’dell leaves behind her three children, Debra Martin (Danny), Sherry Willis (Dan) and Perry Franks (Becky); her grandchildren, Jeremy Martin (Vaunita), Brandon Martin (Amanda), Cameron Willis, Cody Franks (Aleigha), Courtney England (Brandon), and Corey Franks (Breanna); step-grandchildren, Tiffany White (Blake) and Austin Putt; her brother, Wayne Hood; and numerous great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Effie Sarah Nancy Hood; her sisters, Ruple Grimes, Radar Keith, Olene Bell, and Lorene Montgomery; her brothers, Haskell Hood and Eugene Hood; her husband of 36 years, Walker Franks; and a grandson, Daniel Martin.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Amy O’Daniel, Dr. McComb and the Wound Center staff, Barbara Hall, and Debe Lomonick.

Visitation will be 1 until 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Pegues, Tupelo

Services honoring O’dell’s memory will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Rev. David Thompson officiating.  Grandson, Jeremy Martin will deliver the eulogy.  Private family graveside services will follow at Union Grove Cemetery.  Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.