Olene Ogburn Franks

RALEIGH - Olene Ogburn Franks went to her heavenly home on October 15, 2024. She was born on May 4, 1928, in Johnston County, NC and was the daughter of Irving and Thelma Rowland. Named for one of her mother’s closest friends, Olene spent her early years on a family farm near Willow Spring. After her father’s death from pneumonia at age 34, her mother brought her four young children to Raleigh where her maternal grandparents and extended family lived. Olene completed her eleven grades of school as that was before there were twelve grades. Since there was no money for college, she put her high school business courses to good use, working as a secretary for a Raleigh insurance company. She remained there during her entire work life, ending her career as an insurance adjuster at Kemper Insurance Company.

Olene met her husband, Caspian Sea Franks, at a dance. After his honorable World War II service, Caspian went to work in food sales. They were married on December 6, 1947, when she was just 19 years old. Olene and Caspian were married for 64 years until he passed away in 2011. Olene is survived by her daughter, Mona Knight and her son-in-law, Jim Knight of Wake Forest, NC; her special grandchildren, Erin Lavin (Matt Lavin), Jimmy Knight (Rachel Knight); her great grandchildren, Charlotte Lavin, Chloe Knight, and Lily Knight; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Olene enjoyed showing pictures of her grandchildren and their families.

She was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

Olene loved her church and her faith was very important to her. She taught second graders for 20 years at Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church, served as a circle chair, Bible moderator, deacon, elder and on numerous committees. After Milner closed, Olene joined Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church and was an active circle member and volunteered on Fridays in the church office.

Olene had many hobbies. She loved to sew and crochet and for years made many clothes when Mona was a child and even smocked little girls’ dresses for family and friends. She enjoyed working in her garden and sharing tomatoes with her neighbors. Olene often said that going to the nursery to see flowers was the highlight of the week. She also enjoyed traveling, especially cruises, playing golf, and spending time with her family and friends.

Olene will be remembered for her generous and compassionate heart, discipleship, selflessness, and her love shown to others. She was always verbally thankful to all who cared for her and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank her niece, Julianne, and Kim, a special friend, as well as the caregivers from Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate care during the last few weeks.

Olene had a special place in her heart for children, the hungry and the homeless. Donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse (PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607), Tri -Area Ministry Food Pantry (149 E. Holding Ave. Wake Forest, NC 27587), or St. Jude Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church followed by visitation. A private entombment will be at Montlawn Memorial Park. The livestream link for the ceremony can be found on the home page of Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church’s website by visiting hmpc.org

Arrangements by Bryan Lee Funeral Home in Raleigh.