Joan L. Franks

Joan L Franks, age 91, of Northfield, NJ, formerly of Langhorne, Pa., died March 21, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Harry E. Franks. She was born and raised in Minersville, Pa., until she attended Lebanon Valley College to study Music and Education in 1947. After college, she went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Education from Millersville State College. Joan began teaching Music and directed the Choir at Neshaminy High School in 1951. This is where she met her husband, Harry. She was truly an asset to the Neshaminy music program, directing the choirs, teaching music classes, and providing piano accompaniment for any performing group or musical that asked for her assistance. She took a few years off to start a family, and when she returned to Neshaminy, she taught Kindergarten at Walter Miller Elementary School, and then Tawanka Elementary School, where she became the Matriarch of the "Terrific Tawanka Team." In all, she taught for 42 years at Neshaminy, retiring in 1998. Her husband was the passionate coach of the Neshaminy Football team, so Joan fed the players, washed and sewed uniforms, and became their most loyal and boisterous fan. Notwithstanding the birth of two children, she did not miss a Neshaminy football game, home or away, from 1952 through 1980…28 years! She was inducted into the Neshaminy Football Hall of Fame for her extraordinary contributions. When not attending football games, Joan could often be found sitting at the piano in her living room, regaling many guests at impromptu concerts, with Big Band hits, Tony Bennett favorites, or Christmas Carols. Of all of her achievements and interests, her family was most important. Joan and her husband Harry relocated to Northfield NJ in 2005, to be closer to their young grandchildren. Having been predeceased by her husband Harry, Joan is survived by daughter Bonnie Ann Adams of Fort Myers FL; daughter Joy Longenecker and her husband Paul of Annville, Pa; son Harry E. Franks, Jr. and his wife Ellen of Linwood, NJ; grandchildren Scott Adams, Lori Woodlief, Zachary and Troy Longenecker; Kelsey and Harry S. Franks; and great-grandchildren Conor, Mackensey, and Giannis. The family will have a private graveside ceremony to remember Joan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to AtlantiCare Hospice, 6550 Delilah Road, Suite 210, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, in Joan's name. To leave condolences, pay respects, or share a special memory of Joan please visit www.jeffriesandkeates.com. Arrangements entrusted to Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home 609-646-3400.