Unmarked memorial for James Daniel Franks

Item

Legacies Classification
Memorial Artwork
Memorial Type
Sculptural Memorial
Memorial Context
Reparative
Memorialized Subject
Franks, James Daniel
Title
Unmarked memorial for James Daniel Franks
Background and Context
James Daniel Franks, commonly known by many as Daniel Franks, worked at Davidson College as a college janitor for many years. He passed away on June 23, 1985. He was survived by his children, James Franks of Washington and Carolyn Beasley. His first wife, Mary Linda Hall Franks, preceded him in death. His second wife, Margaret L. Simolton Franks, also preceded him in death. His funeral was held at Reeves Temple AME Zion Church in Davidson, North Carolina. Family and friends made the necessary arrangements with assistance from the Grier Funeral Home. He was buried at the Christian Aid Society Cemetery, which sits on the Davidson College campus.

Franks’ work at Davidson College was characterized by his reliability and strong relationships with students and faculty. While his work at the college was significant, there was no headstone or public memorial erected for him. After searching the cemetery, the general area where he and his spouses were buried has been preliminarily located. It is possible that his headstone was damaged or destroyed over time and finally disappeared. Despite the absence of a visible marker, Franks’ contributions to the community remain deeply appreciated.
Physical Description
Unmarked memorial covered with grass.
Memorial Inscription
N/A
Creator/Participating Person(s)
Friends and family of James Daniel Franks
Franks, James Daniel
Date created, installed or dedicated
June 23, 1985
Historical Period
1976-2000: The Conservative Ascendancy and Retrenchment from Civil Rights Movement
Funded by
Friends and family of James Daniel Franks
Location: Institution, City, State
Davidson College; Davidson, North Carolina
Learn More About this Subject
"Mr. Daniel Franks," The Charlotte Observer, June 26, 1985, 10A.
Mr. Daniel Franks," The Charlotte News, June 26, 1985, 4B.
"Daniel Franks," Web: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, U.S., Death Index, 1992-2012, Ancestry.com
"Janitors Davidson," D-file, Archives and Special Collections, Davidson College, Davidson, NC.
Reeves Temple AME Zion Collection, Folder 20, Archives and Special Collections, Davidson College, Davidson, NC.

Position: 1626 (48 views)