Ernilda Acosta Franks

Ernilda "Nelda" Acosta Franks, a British subject by birth. was born September 18, 1924 in Belize, British Honduras. She was one of the first students at St. Catherine's Academy in Belize, commemorated on a Plaque of Distinction. Courageously in 1952, she ventured to the U.S. and attended Loyola University while working at Shell Oil Co. On an Easter Sunday her future husband and Nelda had their first date in Audubon Park. They married September 18, 1954. Nelda proudly achieved her U.S. citizenship shortly thereafter and embarked upon a lifetime of giving and caring for her boys and managing their home in Oklahoma City. Good times for Nelda meant being with family, volunteering, fishing, horse racing, and venturing to OSU sporting events. Nelda was predeceased by her husband, Bob, father, Alfredo Joseph Acosta, mother, Lena Turton Acosta, and sister, Rita Acosta. She is survived by four sons, Billy and wife Robin of Edmond, Don and wife Hope of San Antonio, John and wife Orena of Oklahoma City, and Jack and his trusted dog, Talus of Lawrence, KS; as well as 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and her many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins whom all held a place in her heart. The family expresses their sincere appreciation for the care that Nelda received from the staff of Humanity Hospice and Northwest Nursing Center. Visitation will be held Thursday at Smith & Kernke followed by an evening prayer service at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Burial will follow at San Bois Cemetery.