Frankie Jean King was born unto Velma Ovette Bullock and Franklin Joseph King in Magee Mississippi on October 22, 1951. For the first 5 years Frankie (called Jean) would explore the small rural southern world in the Jim Crow south before heading north to Chicago with her younger brother Gerald and her Mother. They would later be joined by her Father in the bustling city of Chicago, IL. The impressions of southern life; cooking, church and her genteel upbringing would stay with her for the duration of her life.

At an early age, Frankie knew that she was an artist. She was inspired by visual art, dabbled in drawing, and loved the cinema but most of all she loved music. Her time in school was spent developing her excellence in education and pursuing musical opportunities when they presented themselves.  Frankie (nee Jean) enjoyed her place in the choirs of John F. Kennedy High School Choir. Their notable group would go on to compete and win a spot at All State in Springfield, Il. The All City High School Choir performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

After graduating high school, she married her high school sweetheart Aaron Essex Lofton. Shortly thereafter she had her first child, Susan Marie. Frankie furthered her adult education at Kennedy King College and College of DuPage while raising her family. Eventually, she turned her sights to a career in computer programming.  Though she loved working in the field of modern technology, her love of music could not be silenced. She learned of an audition held by Ken Arland Orchestra and began to learn ballads from artists such as Barbara Streisand and Nat King Cole. She auditioned and was hired on the spot.   After playing a few gigs, she decided that she would try to form her own band.  A female band leader at that time was rare and socially frowned upon, but Frankie would not be discouraged.

The strength of her voice and faith were honed within the walls of  St John Church-Baptist located in Chicago, IL. Worshiping under the pastorage of Reverend William A. Johnson left an indelible mark on her life for years to come.  There, along with her mother, school friends and siblings, did she sing praise and worship to the Glory of God as she served in both the Inspirational and Chancel choirs.  Rousing heart felt gospel pieces, such as "He Lives", "Come On In the House" and "Goin' Up A Yonder", which in turn would reverberate the stone church and her deep love of Jesus would be instilled and nurtured.

While growing up in Chicago, Frankie was exposed to and loved many musical genres. From Soul to Rock 'N' Roll, Frankie enjoyed learning the different styles and songs of the artists of that era. The Supremes, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Issac Hayes, Smokie Robinson & the Miracles, The Delfonics, Chaka Khan & Rufus, The Rolling Stones, Chicago, YES, Steely Dan, Genesis, The Police and Journey would all be heard on her turntable and would lay the foundation for her set lists for the musical groups she would form. Her first group named Slapback - (the delayed signal of an audio effect) was comprised of her very talented friends Louis Faro, Randy Baker and Joe Letteri. The instant success of the group would thrust them into the music scene, with a hundred strong following fan base.

Frankie's engagements consisted of private parties, clubs, weddings and corporate events. Her groups would change players and names over time; Frankie & Co., Frankie & LCD., and Multiplex until finally capitalizing on her unique name and reputation for musical excellence - Frankie.

Inspired by the classic big bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, players such as Miles Davis, John Coletrane and Charles Mingus, Frankie began to re-direct her focus to her love of the greats within the Chicago Jazz scene. She respected vocalists like Ella who used her voice like a horn. Her scatty style and vocal compliments to musical arrangement encouraged Frankie to do the same. She became intrigued with Brazilian jazz and the songs sang in Portugese by Flora Purim and Gil and Bebel Gilberto and fusion groups and players like Weather Report and Herbie Hancock. Frankie would incorporate all these styles and voices into her repertoire for decades.  Frankie also shared her gifts through commercial voiceover jingles and several recording projects.

In 1986, Frankie married her second sweetheart Darryl Edward Wesson, from Detroit, MI. She gave birth to her son Shawn Christopher in 1989. The blended family became longtime residents of Glen Ellyn, IL and was very active in their community.  Her caring and compassion was shared through her volunteering from the  Boy Scouts of America to various church, school and social functions. Frankie continued sharing the praise and worship music that she grew up with and loved by becoming a member of Calvary Church Naperville, and joining Calvary's choir. She would also pen her own gospel worship songs and poems.

Frankie was a force of nature with a heart larger than life. She embodied a sense of style and class that could not be matched. She loved music, art, cooking, baking, gardening, reading everything from informative articles to mystery novels and classical literature, dancing, comedy, speaking in foreign accents, taking nature walks and ridiculously spicy foods.  Above all she loved the LORD Jesus Christ, her children, and her family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Franklin Joseph King and her second husband, Darryl Edward Wesson.  She leaves to cherish her memories,  her daughter, Susan Marie and her son, Shawn Christopher; her beloved mother, Velma King and four brothers: Gerald (Gary), William (Willim); Edson and Elton (the Twins);  four sister-in-laws, a host of nieces, nephews, great nephews, other relatives, friends and her chicagoland musician family.