Family funeral services for Frankie Morganfield, 88, will be at 1 p.m.  Saturday, Feb. 27, at Mt.Lula M.B. Church in Rolling Fork. Pastor Robbie Morganfield will be officiating. Immediately following the service will be a public graveside service at Green Chapel Cemetery in Rolling Fork. Viewing will be Friday from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. in Adele Walker Memorial Chapel at the funeral home.

Frankie Lee Barnes Morganfield was born on January 17, 1933 to the parentage of Earline Sanxton and Johnny Barnes. Most of her childhood and all of her adult life was spent in the Mississippi Delta in and around Rolling Fork, Mississippi.  She grew up with her sister Eula Bullock . Her other siblings include Catherine Norris , Walter (Sonny) Barnes and Betty Ross .

On July 19, 1948, Frankie united in holy matrimony to Robert Morganfield. Their marriage spanned 69 years until his passing in 2017. To that union, seven children were born— her daughter Beverly and son Jerry preceded her in death. Robert and Frankie made their permanent home on Robert Morganfield Way, formerly named West China Street. D ating back to the 50's, o ut of the dozens of original residents on that street , Frankie was the last one standing !

Although at the age of 15 she became a young bride, she never lost her zeal for self-improvement and promotion.  She pursued and received her high school diploma in 196 9, completed further studies at Tougaloo College and receive d her Associate of Arts degree from Coahoma Junior College . She served for 42 years as a Childhood Director /Teacher for the Head Start Friends of Children program until her retirement in 2003 at the age of 70 .

Her love for family was evident .  During family gatherings, she and her husband were surrounded by their children , singing and dancing to the sounds emanating from the guitar and harmonica . She shared in the rearing of her grandchildren and they loved and doted on her whenever possible, sharing memories of experiences that have greatly impacted and helped shape their lives. She was creative, having the ability to take nothing and transforming it into a thing of beauty. She commanded the love, admiration and respect of those who knew her.

At an early age, Frankie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She was a lifelong and current oldest member of Mt. Lula Missionary Baptist Church where she served under every pastor since the church's inception.  She was a proud member of the choir and served faithfully in other ministries until her health precluded her ability to do so. Her most famous mantra was " You must be born again…. One thing I know, I've been born again!"

Following the passing of her husband, t he responsibility of her care had been shared by her daughters Joyce, JoAnn and Bridget on a rotating basis.  All her children revel in the joy they shared in providing love and care for her through her latter years and are grateful for their spouses who supported and encouraged them in doing so.

Frankie reunited with her heavenly family on the day of "love"--February 14, 2021 —in the comfort of her home in the loving presence of  her daughters Joyce and Bridget. She leaves to cherish her memories and preserve her legacy 3 daughters:  Joyce (William) Tate; JoAnn (Ezell) Williams, and Bridget (Marcus) Jones; 2 sons: Robbie Morganfield and Gregory (Virginia) Morganfield; 10 grandchildren: Tolvish (James) Cage, Tosha (Louis) Dickson, Toralyn (Jason) Lillie, Philisha Jones, Takesha (Vincent) Thomas, William (Victoria) Tate, Derrick (Marsha) Brown; Jocelyn Jones, D'Loi Kizart, and Robert T. (Amy) Morganfield; 20 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.  She also leaves 1 brother: Walter (Lessye) Barnes; a sister Betty (James ) Ross; a brother- and sister-in-law Matthew and Olevia Morganfield, a sister-in -law Annie Mae Morganfield and a host of nieces, nephews , cousins and other relatives.