Betty Joan Jones-Franks

Betty Joan (Bowman) Jones-Franks was born September 11, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan to Joe and Gladys (Hedges) Bowman and passed away in her sleep on January 13, 2021 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. When Betty was five years old the family moved back to Muskogee, Oklahoma. She attended Muskogee Public Schools and was a graduate of Central High School in the class of 1947. Upon graduation she joined the work force with the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Beginning as a switchboard operator, Betty worked her way up to a position of a Marketing Supervisor, the first to do so without a college education. She retired after a 36-year career, having lived in Kansas City, San Antonio, St. Louis, and Houston. In 1984, she was wed to Robert (Gerry) Jones and the couple moved to Muskogee in 1987. Betty was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Muskogee, serving as a Sunday School Director and hosting a weekly home Bible Study group. She also served her community in a variety of civic organizations including the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce, (twice chosen as Volunteer of the Year), she served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Tourist Center, the A. T. and T Pioneers, the Salvation Army Auxiliary, the Civitan Club, and the Morning Optimist Club. She was chosen by the Muskogee Daily Phoenix newspaper as one of, “Five who Care”. In 2002, she married Larry D. Franks. The two enjoyed traveling together and a highlight of her life was a 2006 trip to the Holy Land. Betty remained active in her community until multiple hip surgeries prevented her from doing so. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry Jones; husband, Larry Franks; and parents, Joe and Gladys (Hedges) Bowman. She is survived by her brother, Charles Bowman and wife Winnie of Muskogee, OK; nieces, Vicki Dean and husband Mark of Lawrenceville, GA., Elena Bowman Floyd of Edmond, OK; nephews, Tim Bowman and wife Teresa of Richmond, TX, Rev. Paul Bowman and wife Margie of Muskogee, OK; twelve great nieces and nephews; eight great-great nieces and nephews; and a host of church family and friends. A celebration of Betty’s life will be a family only affair 10am, Friday, January 22, 2021 at the First Baptist Church of Muskogee, OK. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page. Pallbearers are Tim Bowman, Paul Bowman, Luke Bowman, Mark Dean, Charles Floyd and Ron Bowen. Honorary pallbearers will be the Life Matters Bible Study class from Muskogee First Baptist Church.

Betty Joan Jones-Franks

September 11, 1929 - January 13, 2021