LUCY E. FRANKLIN
“For a Season”
On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, an Angel was called home. Lucy Ella Franklin was born to the late John Richards and Bernella Sorrell on April 8, 1949 in Colonial Beach, Virginia. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, a compassionate grandmother, a dependable sister and a loyal friend. With her three sons (The Fellas), her faithful sister, a niece and two of her closest friends at her bedside, Lucy transitioned to be with the Lord after a job well done – “For a Season.”
As a student at Fairmont Heights High School, Lucy (Class of 67) met her high school sweetheart, Levi Sr. (Class of 66). They were later married and from this union three sons were born. In high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society and a member of the “world renowned” Cheerleading Squad!
Lucy was affectionately known to her family as Ma, Ma Lucy, Glamma and Grandma. She was an avid bowler and was introduced to the sport by Levi, Sr. They bowled together in various local leagues and tournaments until his
untimely death in 1998. She was one of the founding members of The East Coast Ladies Bowling Club where she enjoyed traveling around the country to bowling tournaments with the other ladies in the club.
A faithful member of Zion Baptist Church for over ten years, Lucy served on the Ushers Ministry, Financial Committee and Daughters of Zion (Secretary). She coordinated the effort to establish the Annual Give Away Day where families in need could come to Zion to receive gently used clothing, furniture and household items. 2012 marks the fifth year for this initiative. Hanging with her “Church Posse” was always a treat for Lucy. They supported,
encouraged, and fellowshipped together.
A long time government employee, Lucy recently retired from the Internal Revenue Service after many years of service.
Lucy leaves to mourn her passing three sons, Levi Jr. (Paulette), Larry (LeNae), Lamont (Lisa) and a nephew, Kenneth – ten Grandchildren: Leah,
Levi Myles, Laila, Leara, Cameron, Larry Jamal, Kennedy, Braedon, Darryl (Amber), Steven – one Great-Grandchild: DJ. 11 Sisters: Patricia Kellibrew, Mary Ross, Helen Payton, Dorothy Tolliver, Alberta McDowney, Alice Payne, Hazel Baylor (Alan), Josephine Burnett, Theresa Frye (William), Gloria Baker (Otis), Cozetta Pryor – 6 Brothers: Lewis Sorrell (Naomi), John Richards Jr. (Helen), Michael Richards, Roy Richards (Kathy), Spencer Richards, Cecil
Richards (Amy)—Preceded in death by: Levi J. Franklin, Sr. (Husband), Bickett Watkins (Step Father), Louise Byrd (Sister), Willie Sorrell, Matthew Sorrell & John Sorrell (Brothers) – 2 sisters-in-law: Marion & Christel Sorrell – 2 special Aunts: Dorothy & Nancy and a host of other family and friends.
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