Elana T Franks

Elana Taylor Franks was born on February 1, 2007 to Greg and Lisa Franks and was the younger sister to Braden Franks. She was called home to be with Jesus on January 9, 2025. Although her time on earth was short, her impact on others was and will continue to be immense.

Elana was raised in Haughton, LA, and was a student at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport. She was an adventurous child with an older brother who kept her busy at the ballpark, so it was only natural that Elana developed a love of sports herself. After several years of watching her brother, #25, on the field, she found her passion in softball. She started playing in Dixie league and quickly advanced with several travel ball teams until earning her place as the starting centerfielder for the Lady Cavs. She proudly wore her brother’s number while playing the same position in the outfield. Elana helped her teams earn many championships, which is evident with her collection of rings and medallions. 

But there’s so much more to her than just softball. Elana also had a very impressive collection of LEGO cars that she proudly built and displayed in her room. She had a “slight” Star Wars obsession, with several Yodas keeping watch over her in her room and even in her car. Definitely, the force was strong with her. She was an avid reader with an extensive collection of books from various genres. She was also a lover of animals, an amazing friend, and extremely committed to whatever she found an interest in, including being a swim coach at Geaux Swim. 

Elana’s greatest asset was her heart. She cared about helping others, and she demonstrated that by being a mentor to her friends, peers, and teammates, both on and off the field. She cared for those she had never met by choosing to be an organ donor. She wanted to save lives and has left a legacy of hope and healing for so many. Elana made an impact on everyone she met and will continue to impact others through her selfless donation.

She is survived by her parents, Greg and Lisa Franks, brother, Braden Franks, niece Addison Franks, and multiple grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses on the trauma team and ICU at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church, 9333 Linwood Ave, Shreveport, LA 71106. Reception to follow immediately after.