Betty Franks Harper

Betty Jean Franks Harper, age 80, died Saturday, July 26, 2014, at her North Street home following a short bout with cancer. Her family was at her side. She was born in the same house on December 31, 1933, the only child of the late Ferman and Lena (Robinson) Franks. She attended Newport Grammar School and graduated from Cocke County High School in 1951. She later attended the University of Tennessee. She was employed by the Tennessee Department of Labor Work Force, "the Employment Office," for 37 years, and during that time developed a strong and loving relationship with her many clients. Following her retirement from state employment, she continued working part-time in other jobs for a number of years. She also served as a member of the Newport Planning Commission and the Newport Housing Authority's board of directors. She was also a member of First United Methodist Church and of the Twentieth Century Club. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and as a woman who loved her large, extended family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Charles "Tootie" Harper, beloved grandmother Jessie Lee Robinson and grandfather James E. Robinson, her maternal grandparents James H. and Sallie Franks, special aunt and uncle Earl and Nannie B. (Robinson) Huff, and cousin Patsy Huff Radke. She is survived by two daughters: Patti Harper Briggs and husband Blake and Charlena Harper Robinson and husband David, all of Newport; grandchildren Lena Miranda Robinson, Adam Harper Briggs, Sidney Leigh Harper Kuykendall, and Zachary Arthur Briggs; great-grandchildren Braxton and Bella Robinson; and several special cousins: Jim and Karen Huff and Jimmy and Julie Huff, all of Atlanta; Jimmy Franks of Gulf Shores, Mississippi; Tommyedene Jones of Del Rio; and Peggy Jones and Charles Jones, both of Newport; and many very special friends. The family extends a special note of gratitude to Amedysis Home Health & Hospice and to Debbie and Chelsea Wylie, Lori Black, and Abby Balch for the loving care they provided. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Manes Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2014, in Union Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. James Bennington officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 212 Washington Ave., Newport, TN 37821. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com.

Betty Franks Harper

December 31, 1933 - July 26, 2014