Frankie Burnham Daniel

Frankie Burnham Daniel, 80, of Little Rock passed away peacefully on December 23, 2017, on her 59th wedding anniversary. She was surrounded both physically and spiritually by a host of family and friends. She was born October 13, 1937 to the late Oliver G. and Beatrice Sorrells Burnham in Vivian, Louisiana. Frankie earned Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Southern State University (now Southern Arkansas University). She worked as a PE teacher and teacher's aide for over 40 years, she retired in 1997. She was a member of St. James United Methodist Church. Frankie was known for her fierce independence, self-confidence, and ability to laugh and find humor in nearly any situation. In fact, it was her infectious laugh that made being with her such a joy. She also had the unique ability to laugh at herself, and to laugh along with a husband and son who loved to tease her. She was a devoted mother who loved her children unconditionally. That same love was extended to her four beloved grandchildren, who brought her happiness no matter how bad she may be feeling. She was married to her husband Jerry for nearly 60 years. Theirs was a model marriage, and they held each other up when the other was down. If Frankie had a soul mate, she found it in Jerry, and vice versa. Frankie was blessed to have a group of friends who grew up in Camden with her, with whom she communicated and dined with on a regular basis. In fact, to call them friends would not be fair: they were her family. Along the way, she picked up countless other friends who treasure her. She played bridge with several groups, had "game days," and even worked with a quilting group for several years. She was fortunate enough to have a large extended family of cousins, sister, nephews and nieces and even aunt (Martha Atkins) whom she considered a second mother. Another passion of hers was traveling. She claimed she would go anywhere, any time. She was able to travel to Europe three times, and took many cruises. But her passion was the beach. She was happiest sitting in a chair, glass of wine by her side, staring at the ocean. All who knew her knew she was creative and had her own way of doing things. She took classes, ranging from cake decorating to basket weaving; mostly, however, instructions were only suggestions to Frankie. She put her own special touch on everything she did. A perfect metaphor for her life. Frankie is survived by her husband, Jerry; daughter, Meg Daniel Hayes (James) of Little Rock, Ark.; son, David G. Daniel (Christiann Marino) of Overland Park, Kan.; grandsons, Calvin Scott McCluskey of Little Rock, Ark. and Christopher David Daniel of Overland Park, Kan.; granddaughters, Olivia Grace Daniel "Gracie" of Overland Park, Kan. and Anne Elizabeth McCluskey "Annie" of Little Rock, Ark.; sister, Garrie Burnham Salmon of Jacksonville, Ark.; aunt, Martha Ruth Sorrells Atkins and brother-in-law, Mike Daniel. Memorial service will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 29, 2017 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, December 28, 2017 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital at https://giving.archildrens.org/donate, or a charity of your choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.