Frankie Lee (Cargile) Richard

Obituary
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." – Matthew 25:21

The life’s journey of Mother Frankie Lee Cargile Richard began on a winter’s day, February 13, 1939, in Wetumka, Oklahoma, when she was born to the late Leeman Cargile and Bertha Cargile (Hardy). The only daughter among four beloved brothers, Frankie was a cherished jewel in her family.

Frankie was educated in the Wetumka Public School System and graduated from Wetumka High School. In time, she met and married the love of her life, James Ben Richard, and together they were blessed with two sons, John A. Keller and Arif Abdullah, her pride and joy.

Frankie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, beginning a lifelong walk of faith. After moving to Oklahoma City, she became a devoted member of Antioch Institutional Baptist Church where she served the Lord with humility, gratitude, and steadfast love.

Her career path reflected her compassion and dedication. For more than 35 years, Frankie faithfully served as a Unit Secretary in the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Unit at St. Anthony Hospital, offering encouragement and kindness to all who crossed her path. She lived out her belief that every encounter was an opportunity to show the love of God.

A woman of grace and style, Frankie enjoyed dressing elegantly, with a particular love for beautiful shoes, purses, and jewelry. She delighted in shopping, traveling, hosting, and enhancing her home. She filled her days with reading the newspaper, watching the news, listening to gospel and blues, and cooking meals that brought people together. Her door was always open, her table always set, and her heart always ready to give. She was a nurturer of her family, her friends, and anyone who needed a helping hand.

Frankie’s greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved deeply, prayed faithfully, and made it her mission to share the goodness of the Lord wherever she went. Her life was a living testimony of God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness.

On August 9, 2025, Frankie answered the Master’s call and transitioned from labor to reward. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, her four brothers Emmitt Cargile Sr., Willie Cargile, and Lonnie Lee Cargile and her precious granddaughter Rochelle Cargile.

She leaves to honor and cherish her memory: two sons John A. Keller (Wanda) and Arif Abdullah (Cecily); special daughters Khyriyyah and Saeeda; three granddaughters Aquiela Nelson-Sheryfield (Bobby), Ameenah Abdullah, and Kadijah Abdullah; six grandsons Derrick Cargile (Rella), Art Cargile, Warlith Dean Abdullah, Haneef Abdullah, Faruq Abdullah, and Qasim Abdullah; two great-granddaughters Kelasheta Campbell (Keerian) and Amillion Sherfield; two great-grandsons Bobby Sherfield Jr. and Nylo Abdullah; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends who will forever treasure her light, her laughter, and her love.

Mother Frankie’s life was a song of faith, a testimony of resilience, and a reflection of God’s goodness. Though she has gone from our sight, her spirit remains in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. We thank God for her life, her love, and her example, and we rejoice knowing that she now rests safely in the arms of the Lord.

To God be the glory for the life of Mother Frankie Lee Cargile Richard.

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