Ernestine R Franklin

Ernestine Richetta Franklin (Parks), 65, passed away on April 3, 2022, at Kansas University Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on November 19, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri to Ernest Parks and Odessa Parks (McDowell). Ernestine grew up in Kansas City with her brothers, sisters, and cousins.

Although she did not graduate from high school, Ernestine obtained her GED and graduated with her LPN certificate from the Kansas City Kansas Community College in the late 1980’s. Ernestine began her career as an LPN and worked in the healthcare field at places such as Truman Medical Center, University Academy, Swope Health Center and a host of other hospitals and home health companies. “Ernie” and “Teenie”, as she was lovingly called by friends and family, had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She loved her job, but most of all, she loved caring for and nurturing people.  Ernestine gave her life to Christ and became a member of The Arm of the Lord Evangelical Ministries where she traveled with Pastor Jesse Frazier and others spreading the word of God and the love of Christ on street corners near and far through testimony and song.

She raised two beautiful, loving children, Amber Parks (Corny J. Henderson: 1983) and Nicholas Franklin (Leon Franklin: 1991). She also did foster care for about five years. Ernestine instilled the love of Christ into both of her children and was an active member of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the evangelistic ministry and as a member of the choir.

In 2008, Ernestine gained an addition to her family, her grandson, Michael Hykes Jr. He became her running buddy, spend the night partner, and best friend; they were two peas in a pod. Her health began to fail, and Ernestine retired from nursing around 2015 because her health began taking a toll on her physically.  Today we remember her for her dedication, loving spirit, warm kindness, and faithfulness.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ernest Parks Sr. and Odessa Parks; aunts, Clarice Powel, Jimmie Lee McDowell, and Betty Parks; brothers, Reginald Parksel and Archie Parks; sister in-law, Joyce Parksel; and nephew, Michael Parks.

Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Amber Parks; son, Nicholas Franklin; grandsons, Michael Hykes Jr. and Cameron Northern; granddaughters, Ciara Northern and Diamond Parks (Jaiden and Jaylen Frazier); aunt, Deborah Munson; brothers, Ernest Parks Jr. (Linda), Richard Parks (Karen), Andre Parksel, Shane Parks, Michael Parks (Lisa) , Alganon Parks, Pharaoh Parks, Artura Parks, Oasis Parks, Raheem Parks, Hassan Parks (Kendra), and Aaron Parks; sisters, Sonya Parks, Robin Parks, Personna Parks, Shantosha Parks, and Nijama Parks; sisters in-law, Shirley Parks and Deborah Parksel; and a host of other relatives, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.