Susan Kaye Franks, age 69, of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, entered her eternal home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. 

Susan was born on September 17, 1957, to Samuel Odell Franks, Sr. and Mildred Wylidean Johnson Franks. She lived a life defined by extraordinary strength, unwavering faith, fierce love, and service to others.

Susan was a Godly woman whose faith was not simply something she spoke about; it was evident in the way she lived. She loved people deeply, welcomed others into her family, stood up for those who needed protecting, and showed up for the people she loved again and again.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Sammy Franks; her husband, Woodzie Myrick, whom she lovingly cared for until his death; and her loving fiancé, Doug Dicus.

Susan is survived by her two daughters, whom she adored beyond measure: her eldest daughter, Emily Laine Myrick Stafford and husband Guy, and her youngest daughter, Kalie Elizabeth Myrick Snipes and husband Waylon. Susan spent her life supporting her daughters, believing in their dreams, celebrating their accomplishments, and making sure they always knew their mother was in their corner.

Susan was also a proud and loving grandmother to Will Stafford, Sophie Stafford, Shelby Bearden, Robin Snipes, and Jalyn Snipes, as well as her granddaughters of the heart, Chelsea, Sophonia, Shyann, and Janessa. Family was never defined simply by blood for Susan. When someone needed love, support, or a place to belong, she had a way of making room for them. She is also survived by her brothers, Mike Franks and wife Sudan and Joe Franks and wife Sherry; her sister, Margaret Ann Franks; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Susan dedicated her professional life to serving and protecting others, particularly children who needed someone willing to stand up for them. She retired from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, where she served as both an TBI trained investigator and supervisor. Retirement, however, did little to slow her desire to serve. She went on to work part time as the Wayne County Juvenile Court Clerk and Youth Services Officer.

Protecting the innocent was more than Susan’s profession—it was her passion and an extension of her faith. Over the course of her career, she touched countless lives, often meeting children and families during some of their darkest moments. Her strength was immeasurable, and she used it not simply for herself, but for people who needed someone strong enough to stand beside them.

That strength came with a healthy dose of stubbornness and sass. Susan rarely wanted anyone worrying about her, and she could be determined to convince everyone that she was just fine, regardless of the circumstances. It was part of the strength and independence that made her Susan—and part of what those who loved her will miss so dearly.

Of all the roles Susan held throughout her life, none meant more to her than being a mother and grandmother. She loved fiercely, gave generously, protected relentlessly, and showed up faithfully. Her daughters were her pride, her grandchildren were her joy, and the family she built—both by blood and by love—is her greatest legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Kid’s Place Child Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization serving victims of sexual and severe child abuse. Supporting Kid’s Place is a fitting way to honor Susan’s lifelong commitment to protecting children and advocating for those who needed a voice. Susan leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years, titles, or accomplishments. It lives in her daughters and grandchildren, in the family she loved so fiercely, and in the countless children and families whose lives are different because Susan Kaye Franks chose to spend hers serving them.

Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11:00am until 2:00pm at Shackelford's in Waynesboro.  Funeral Service to begin at 2:00pm. In accordance with Susan's wishes, cremation will take place following the service.  

Shackelford Funeral Directors extends our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.