Roberta Whitt Franklin

Mrs. Roberta Whitt Franklin, age 94, of the Blanche Community, fell asleep in Jesus on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. She was the daughter of the late George Michael Whitt and Elzie Whitt Franklin and the wife of the late Lyle McAnn Franklin. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Amy Rose Franklin.Roberta was born on December 9, 1915 and was raised in the Ardmore Community. She graduated from Blanche High School in 1934 and then earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 1938. She also recieved her teaching certificate and taught at Blanche High School from 1939-1943. On December 21, 1940, she married Lyle Franklin. They were married for 59 years. During this time, she raised her family, worked on the family farm, and enjoyed her grandchildren.Roberta grew up in the Baptist Church and was a faithful member of New Grove Baptist Church. She lived a life of faith in her Lord and died in the full assurance of a blessed immortality. She was a true helpmate to her husband and a devoted mother to her children whom she brought up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." She was faithful in all the relationships of life, such as the woman described in the last chapter of Proverbs. She set a Godly example before her household and the light of her Christian life shone wherever she went.Her true passion was for missions and she was a long-time member and leader of the Women's Missionary Union. Her mission in life was modeled after the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" She is now rejoicing in Heaven with many people that she helped lead to the Lord through her service to Him.She is survived by sons: David L. Franklin of Signal Mountain, TN, and Donald D. Franklin of Blanche, TN; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Billy Fowler and Bro. Roger Berry officiating. Burial will follow in Blanche Cemetery in Blanche, TN with Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge.

Roberta Whitt Franklin

December 9, 1915 - May 4, 2010