Kay E. (Nicholson) Franks

Kay Ellen Franks , a beloved mother, educator, volunteer, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2024 at the age of 73. Kay was born in Akron, OH on August 27th, 1950 to parents Paul and Carol Nicholson. She devoted her life to serving others, and taught as a Spanish teacher for 37 years at both Tallmadge High School and Akron Buchtel CLC.

“Senora” Franks was a selfless person, and always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Her daughter Ellen was her only child, and Ellen was truly the light of her life.  And while Ellen was technically her only biological child, Kay took on the role of a mother figure at school, helping to mentor and raise countless children who passed through her classroom. It was not uncommon for Ellen to call home to speak with her mom, only to find the phone answered by yet another student who was over at Kay’s home getting a lesson or receiving extra help with homework. All of her students can attest that Senora Franks not only taught them Spanish, but also taught them the virtues of hard work, honesty, discipline, and perseverance.

In addition to working tirelessly as a teacher, Kay devoted her life to serving the community which she loved. She was a loyal member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Akron Civic Theatre’s Women’s Guild, and the Friends of Akron Children’s Hospital. She served on the Board of Directors for the Summa Foundation and as a Trustee for the Tallmadge Library.  She also served on Leadership Councils for the Summa Cancer Institute and the Summa Cardiovascular Institute.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Carol Nicholson; and grandparents, Ersel and Ethel Franks. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Ellen Franks; and her cousin, Kay Haines.

Kay exuberated joy and purpose in all that she did, and she was blessed with the gift of not only seeing the potential in others, but also the gift of helping others to see their own potential.

She was a true lady – refined, polite, and well-spoken. Kay conducted herself with distinction and grace.  Her infectious spirit, her conviction, her commitment to moral principles, and her devotion to both her family and her students were truly admired by all. For a woman who had developed a mastery of both the English and Spanish languages, it is poetically unjust that words cannot properly articulate or express how profound of an impact she had on her family, her students, and her community. She was truly loved and will be dearly missed.

Friends may call MONDAY August 12th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333. Funeral Service 1 P.M. TUESDAY August 13th at the funeral home. Interment at North Canton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kay Nicholson Franks Memorial Fund, which will be created in Kay’s honor to provide permanent financial support for Spanish Department at Tallmadge High School. To Share a Memory, Send a Condolence, or Light a Candle, visit Kay’s Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)