Susan Kay Millsap Franks

Obituary for Susan Kay Millsap Franks July 5, 1951 – March 7, 2025 

Susan Kay Millsap Franks, 73, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 7, 2025, in The Woodlands, Texas. She was born on July 5, 1951, in Abilene, Texas, to Jesse Willard Millsap and Augusta Sallee. Susan grew up in Corpus Christi, where she graduated from CC King High School. She went on to attend Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, earning her Bachelor's Degree in Education. For over 30 years, Susan devoted herself to teaching, with a special love for her Kindergarten students, before retiring to spend time with family and pursue her many passions.

 Susan's life was rich with service and love for others. A dedicated member of First Methodist Church in Cleveland, Texas, Susan played an integral role in the church's community outreach programs. She was active on several committees, including the Staff Parish Relations and Bereavement committees, and was the driving force behind the beloved "Lunch With Us" program, which provided 100+ weekly meals to those in need in the Cleveland area. Susan was a gifted cook and preparing meals for large groups is a lasting memory of her service, whether at the church, while traveling with church UM Army service teams, on the Salt Grass Trail Ride where for over two decades she prepared all meals by campfire for 50 riders, and on the cook team of the Breeders Greeters Committee at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Although she preferred to stay out of the spotlight, Susan’s hard work ensured that every meal was prepared with love and care and no one left hungry. 

Beyond her church and life of service Susan was a constant presence in the lives of others. She enjoyed gathering regularly with longtime friends and neighbors for shows at the community theater in Rosenberg and taking cruises to Alaska. Together with her husband, Bill, Susan enjoyed working with the wagon teams on the Grand Entry Committee at the Houston Rodeo. 

Reading books and spending time with her critters were also highlights for Susan. Susan had a heart full of love for her family, especially her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, and wife, always putting others first. Her family remembers her not only for her warmth and selflessness but also for her ever-positive, upbeat spirit. Even during her final months, she found joy in brightening others’ days, providing peppermints to her nurses and other hospital staff members and sharing kindness with everyone she met. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Willard Millsap and Augusta Sallee. Susan leaves behind her devoted husband of 50 years, Bill Franks; son, Keith William Franks and wife Alisa; daughter, Katie Beth Henry and husband Sonny; sisters, Pat Thielen and husband Mike, and Sandy Rogers; grandchildren, Harper, Harris, and Bowen Franks, and Joe Frank Henry; brothers-in-law, Orlan Franks Jr. and wife Elizabeth, Woody Shultz and wife Glynda, Tommy Shultz and wife Nancy, and Bill Shultz and wife Rhetta.

 A memorial service to honor Susan's life will be held on April 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Cleveland, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Susan's name to FMCC-Lunch With Us, 100 William Barnett, Cleveland, Texas 77327. 

Susan will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her light, kindness, and legacy of service to others will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.