Helen Jeanette Franks
March 23, 1933 — June 23, 2015
Helen Jeanette Guthrie Franks, 82, of Morehead City, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Carteret General Hospital.
A graveside service will be held 10:30 am Friday, June 26, 2015 at Bayview Cemetery with Rev. Bob Lowery officiating.
She was born in the Promise Land of Morehead City on March 23, 1933, the only child born to the late Addie Copeland and Denard Guthrie and graduated from Morehead City High School, where she met the love of her life, El Franks. They worked together at Dom's Lunch. They married September 23, 1951. After a time of El working with Dom Femia at Dom-El's at Atlantic Beach, he and Helen opened their own restaurant called "This Is It" at the location which is now Cox Family Restaurant. In 1959, they built at the present location of 3706 Arendell Street and named it El's Drive In. She was an everpresent fixture there for decades, often feeding many homeless and needy people from the goodness of her heart. She had no enemies and always put others before herself. She will always be remembered for her kindness and love for others. Helen was a charter member of Franklin Memorial United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Joy Franks of Morehead City; son, Mark Franks and wife Gail of Morehead City; granddaughter, Jenna Franks; two grandsons, Shelton Franks and wife Krissy, and Ty Mason; also several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband El Franks in 2003; and her parents, Denard and Addie Guthrie.
Family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday at Munden Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to PAWS, 5042 Mattie St., Morehead City, NC 28557.