Lorene Franklin 's Obituary
Lorene Franklin, age 101, passed away on March 16, 2020, at Katherine’s Place in Fayetteville. She was born on August 17, 1918, in Lowell, Arkansas, to Alec and Luetta (Taylor) Ford. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, William Ross Franklin, and two sons, Mike Franklin and Richard Franklin, and all of her siblings.
Lorene grew up in Lowell, the ninth of eleven children. She married her school sweetheart, Bill, and together they endured many adversities and hardships during the Depression. They moved the family to California. There, Lorene became a licensed childcare provider in her home and brought joy to many children. First and foremost, she was a dedicated mother and homemaker and had a profound influence on her family. She looketh well to the ways of her household, Prov. 31:27. She and Bill moved back to Lowell in the 70’s. They enjoyed their retirement years with their own craft business, The Ozark Peddler. They traveled the country selling their wares and making lifelong friends along the way. After her husband’s death, she faced her next challenge with timidity, but determined to be an overcomer as she had become blind, deaf and later was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. God took the weak and made them strong so that He could receive the glory.
She is survived by her two daughters, Pat Molle of Fayetteville, and Sue Stensvaag of Hawthorne, California; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A private family service is under the direction of Nelson Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/
Escorted in such splendor
I was blind, but now I see
The beauty and the majesty
As angels carry me.
Far beyond the life I knew
Secure in their embrace,
My journey was a prelude
To the glory of this place.
Welcomed by rejoicing
No tears are ever found,
God himself wipes them all away
Now I hear angels singing all around.
Eternal gates were opened
Peace met me there inside,
I rejoice now with angels,
In Heaven I abide.
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