Jenny Franks (5 Jan 1950 - 29 Nov 2020)

Such happy memories of our teenage years

Such happy memories of our teenage years

Remembering with love a dear sister-in-law and aunty. Jenny found plenty to laugh about. She did not allow challenging health issues to prevent her from achieving much in her life and always carried a lovely smile. She remained positive throughout and will be sadly missed. Sallie and Jack.

I really don’t know what to say about Jenny. I was lucky enough to work with Jenny for many years and see her family grow up into the lovely people they are today. Family meant everything to Jenny and Ian, the children and grand children were the most important things in her life.
The first time I worked along side Jenny, I remember John Allen telling me that I was lucky to work with such an experienced and fantastic teacher. I knew he was right because I’d seen her at work and knew her reputation but nothing quite prepared you for working with Jenny. She was one of the hardest working and dedicated teachers I know and she loved her class and would do everything and anything to help them.
Jenny and I made a good team and we worked well together, we laughed together, we ranted together and we cried together in fact one of my best memories was when I was called urgently into her classroom by one of the children because one of them had been fiddling with her chair and collapsed it to the floor and she couldn’t get up. Jenny and I laughed so hard that the children thought we were going mad and we were almost incapable of doing anything to rectify the situation! In the end we had to send the children out to play while we composed ourselves but we still giggled about it years later.
I got to see at first hand what a fantastically strong, loving, loyal and brave woman she was and I’ll never forget her.

Jenny had a devilish sense of humour, a ton of compassion, a razor-sharp wit and a fabulous understanding of how to get the best out of a room full of recalcitrant 6 year olds. Jenny also had the best collection of celebrity selfies of anyone I know!

It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside you and as a young teacher, I learned so much from you. Very fond memories of our time at Hilltop and the great team we all were. Children always at the heart of all we did. Your own children remain a real credit to you and within them your legacy lives on. Your grit, dedication and work ethic was much admired. Ian and the family are in my thoughts and it was an honour to attend such a beautiful service yesterday. Rest easy Jenny x

Jenny you were such an amazing and inspirational netball coach. Under you guidance my love for netball flourished along with lifelong friendships. You guided me through my teenage years and inspired me to work hard to achieve success as part of a team. You will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Much love to you and all your family.

Jenny we will always remember you with a smile, love from Steph, Brian and all the Rapleys

Jenny was a truly inspirational lady who I had the pleasure to spend so much time with at 26 Cooling Rd as I grew up. I'm sure she would curse under her breath as I double rang the doorbell every day, but a more compassionate, friendly, brave and dedicated person you would struggle to find. Ian and Jen did a tremendous job of bringing up a wonderful family and I count myself extraordinarily lucky to have been able to spend so much time with everyone, whether in Strood, Norwich or on holiday! A real second home for me, with a true matriarch at the helm. Fond memories Jenny, thank you.

At least you can rest without pain now Jen and we look forward to a celebration of life with you.

With love from Alex, Ginette, George and Fraser. x

You inspire us every day Mum/ Granny. We love you so much. Love Holly, Daisy, Jo and Andy xxxx

Jenny was my primary school teacher many years ago (I am now 24!)
She was an amazing teacher and always had the children’s best interest at heart. She will be missed and I hope she has an amazing send off x

What an amazing lady you were Jenny. You and Ian changed so many lives, (mine included) and I will always be grateful to you both for all that you did for us all at Hilltop NC and Kent U16 and U18. I have no idea how you managed to do it all along with juggling your own family and whilst battling various health challenges too and always with that big smile. Such happy memories that you gave us all and such a great legacy to have left. Truly one in a million x

Dear Jenny, a truly lovely lady and friend, you will be so missed by all who were lucky enough to know you. You leave behind a wonderful legacy of your beautiful loving family. X

I’m sure thousands will agree Jenny will never know the true positive impact she had on all our lives. Although I lost touch with the family , I have such good and fond memories of Jenny and the family. I will be forever grateful Jenny was my teacher, she was kind and compassionate when my parents split up and when I failed my 11+, she encouraged me with netball (even though I wasn’t that good) and I spent many happy weekends at their house in Cooling Road with Jo who was such a good friend. My thoughts are with all the family.
Tanya Kelvie

So sorry to hear such sad news. Jenny was a formidable county coach who I had the privilege of working with during my time with KSNA. I was always in awe of how she managed to juggle school, netball and family life. Of course Ian was always there and my thoughts go out to him and your now equally amazing family. She will be missed by so many x

Jenny Franks , you will have no idea what a positive impact you have had on my life- thank you for teaching me and showing me kindness and compassion when my parents split up and when I failed my 11+. Thank you for having me stay at your house many times when Jo and I were very good friends. I’m thinking of Joband all the family at this sad time

Jenny was a lovely lady in side and out, she was also the best teacher, may you Rest in peace your beautiful lady lots of love Lucy

Jenny will be missed. She was a lovely lady and I knew for for years. She taught me and my children. She was one of the best teacher . X

Dearest Jenny,
The loveliest lady I had the pleasure of knowing and who will always have a special place in my heart. A true inspiration! Xxx

Sending thoughts and love to you & your family, Dave. From Tony, Jen & Katy xxx

In memory of an amazing human being!