Cora Louise Franklin

Cora Louise Franklin was born June 4, 1933 to the union of the late Claude and Frances Story.  She departed this life Wednesday, January 13, 2021.  She was a native of LaGrange Georgia and often said “All things great came out of LaGrange” and resided in Dayton, Ohio for 70 years.

She attended public school in Dayton, Ohio and was a proud member of the Dunbar High School class of 1951.  She started her career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio where she retired.

As a charter member of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist church, she served as Pastor’s secretary and later Church secretary for 50 years.  During her years at Mount Carmel, she served on the Finance and Budget Committee, Family and Friends Day, Church Anniversary, Funeral Program Committee, and was instrumental in the mortgage burning of the edifice at 5370 Dayton Liberty Road, Fundraiser extraordinaire for many church projects. Her most significant was the Electronic Board in front of the church. Even after her retirement she stayed very active with the Finance and Budget Committee and food pantry. 

For over 20 years she volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital in the gift Shop.  She was an avid shopper who never missed a sale.  She was a frequent guest of the Casino and she would openly share her winnings with family and friends. 

She was a fighter (three bouts of Colon Cancer and two bouts of Breast Cancer), she loved to laugh and share her wisdom and knowledge with all who would ask, She understood, “to whom much was given much was required” and answered that call when the need arose, had a very big heart, and her most cherished accomplishment was being a devoted mother and friend. 

Cora is preceded in death by her parents, Claude, Sr. (Frances) Story and brother Claude Story, Jr. and her loving husband of 49 years Harry C. Franklin, Jr. and a host of uncles and aunts.  She leaves to cherish her memories, sons, Gregory (Priscilla) Franklin, Duane Jett, Tozere (Jackie) Franklin and Derrick (Jan) Franklin; daughters, Karen (Thornton) McKenzie, Karen (Herbert) O’Bannon and Dionne K. Franklin; godson Raymond A. Graham; 13 grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren. Nephews Darryl Story, Ricky Staples and Keith Manago. Nieces Angie Story and Renee Harris.

Adopted sons Larry Jackson, Larry (Rita) Hill and Duane Hairston.  Adopted daughters Corliss Saunders and Kisha Simes

Special extended Family, Johnnie Mae Jackson, Bobby (Dorothy) Alexander, the Mt. Carmel Family, the Andrews sisters (Karen, Bonnie and Daria), Dunbar Class of 1951, Mall workers and a host of friends.

Services can be viewed via facebook: Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church or the website (mtcarmeldayton.org).

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to the Dayton Food Bank, Dayton, Ohio.  

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