Keitha Franks Jackson, 84, of Azle, passed away July 21, 2025, at her home in Azle.

Visitation and funeral services were held Saturday, July 26, followed by the funeral service at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Interment was at Oaklawn Memorial Park, 1552 State Highway 7E in Center.

Pallbearers were Larry Franks, Aaron Dugas, Steve Edison, Colin Franks and Don Bodenhamer.

Keitha was born June 19, 1941, to the late Harold G. and Oline Franks in Center, where she lived until the family relocated to Clute. She graduated from Brazosport High School in Freeport in 1958, then attended business school and began working in Houston. She met Earnest Ray Jackson Jr. in 1958, and they married in 1959. She was a full-time mother and homemaker while her children were in school. She was a tireless supporter of her children’s activities, participating in band boosters and endless fundraisers, as well as chaperoning school-sponsored trips, all while managing the home front so Ray could focus on financially supporting the family. In 1981 she returned to the workforce for 20 more years, eventually retiring from The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler in 2001.

Keitha was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Earnest Ray Jackson Jr., her parents, Harold G. and Oline Franks, and her brother, Kyle Franks.

She is survived by her daughter Diane and sonin- law Paul Twomey; her daughter Lori and son-in-law Timothy Ehmke; her brother Kerry Franks and his wife Pat; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh. net.

The Azle News, July 30, 2025 Edition