Frankie Franklin-Foxx (born Waverlynn Franklin), a resident of Chicago's North Side, passed away peacefully Dec. 13 at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. She was 68.
Born at Cook County Hospital, Frankie graduated from South Shore High School and worked a variety of jobs over the years, including as a switchboard operator at Wieboldt's Department Store, the Drake Hotel and Combined Insurance (now AON Corp). She also was a medical technician at UIC Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine. Frankie earned an associate's degree from Truman College and studied psychology through the DePaul-Truman Bridge Program.
Frankie was deeply involved with the Chicago Women's AIDS Project as a client and a peer counselor who also sat on the Board of Directors. She worked at the "Blue House," advocating for women and children with AIDS promoting outreach, education and prevention. Frankie has a panel on the AIDS Quilt. She was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey and Dan Rather as the longest-surviving woman with AIDS.
She was well-known and dearly loved by her peers. She will be remembered as a very strong and outgoing character—a feisty fighter!
Frankie was mother of Jolynn "JoJo" Franklin, the late Holly Franklin and one other daughter.
Very proud grandmother "FuFu" of Atraue "Tre" Franklin, Drace "D.J." Franklin, Lord-Damien Talley, London Franklin, Holly Harrison, Stathis Franklin, Waver Lear, Business Franklin, Spring Franklin-Stitch, Joshua Franklin, Jaron Yehudah, Sr., Jolynn Franklin, Jori Franklin and three others. She was great-grandmother of sixteen.
Dear sister of Sheron (Clarence) Harris and Willie (Carmen Phillips) Franklin, Jr.; former spouse and dear friend of "Papa" Tim O'Brien; best friend of Brenda Crump, Gwen Talley, Arthur Harris, Mario McKenzie, Steve Scheller, Lea Scott and the Nance and Adams families.
Also preceded in death by mother Willa Bell Garrett Franklin; stepfather Willie Franklin, Sr.; and siblings Reginald King Mason, Holly Franklin, Ruby Franklin and the late infant Bernadette.
There was a private family service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frankie's name to the Chicago Women's AIDS Project, www.cwapchicago.org . Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com .
