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09_03385 Craven Collection Image

from SDASM Archives

• TVL1970 said:

  Marlen "Bicky" Gaskill Franck (1932-2014) obits.al.com/us/obituaries/birmingham/name/marlen-franck-...

  MARLEN FRANCK OBITUARY April 5, 1932 - October 29, 2014 North East, Maryland- Marlen Ruth "Bicky" Thompson Gaskill Franck, 82, died peacefully October 29, 2014, at the Bayside home of Clarence Christian Franck, Jr., childhood friend and husband since June 5, 2005. Bicky was born April 5, 1932 in Washington, D.C. to the late Lois Thompson and Jack Burn Thompson. She was married October 17, 1953 to Joseph F. Gaskill, Jr. who died July 21, 1999. Bicky and her first husband were longtime residents of Birmingham, beginning in 1962. She is survived by their children, Joseph Franklin Gaskill, III (Connie), Nancy Gaskill Atkins, Birmingham, Deborah Gaskill Richardson (Eddie) Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Katherine Atkins Gregg (John), Jack Richardson (Amanda), Margaret Atkins Fyfe (Adam), Anna Richardson Blanton (Steven), Christin Gaskill Veazey (Jonathan), Michael Atkins, Ellen Richardson, William Gaskill, Courtney Gaskill, Olivia Atkins, and born October 17, 2014, a great grandson, George Russler Fyfe; sister, The Reverand Lois Thompson Murray (Miami); sisters in law, Sally Gaskill Brenner (Pennington, NJ.), Marion Gaskill Livingston (Columbus, Ohio); and 12 nieces and nephews. Mr. Franck's children and grandchildren also survive. She was preceded in death by her sister, Deborah Knight Thompson Lewis (2005) and granddaughter, Kelsy Knight Atkins (1996). Bicky brought a powerful and gentle activism to family and community, always a model of her "just be yourself." Swarthmore High School class of 1950, Dennison University, Kappa Alpha Theta, The Daily Review, V.P., co- owner JF Gaskill, Co; avid archivist/videographer/knitter, single engine solo Bessemer Airport, Cahaba River Rats, Vestavia Garden Club, Savant Book Club, G's Bees Apiary, Scout Troops; christened and married Swarthmore, Pa Presbyterian Church, Vestavia Methodist Church Hilltop Singers, First Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, Florida Chancel Choir, Craft Group. Memorial Service and interment at Vestavia Methodist Church is pending. Memorials: Season's Hospice seasonsfoundation.com, or The Nature Conservancy of SC 2231 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205. Published by The Birmingham News from Nov. 5 to Nov. 9, 2014.