Helen Jackson Franks was one of the first Black women to attend Texas State University when it desegregated. She is incredibly active in her church New Zion Baptist Church, and she was a long time teacher in San Marcos. She was also honored this Mardi Gras with being named Queen of the Krewe of Okeanos annual festivities. Her late husband Bill Franks was one of the first Black police officers in San Marcos along with Ogden “Sandy” Coleman and Ed Johnson. Franks turns 82 years old July 13, and the San Marcos Police Department was kind enough to drop off flowers for her at her bible study group a few days in advance.
Learn more about Franks at sanmarcosrecord.com/ article/27692,we-did-soyou- could. The article about Franks was recently recognized with an award from the Texas Press Association.
Photos courtesy of Star Franks
