Janie Franklin
Janie Franklin
Janie Franklin, age 83, of Slocomb, Alabama, entered her heavenly home on February 14, 2026.
Janie was born to the late George Edward Kirkland and Rhoda Stevens Kirkland on January 13, 1943. A graduate of Graceville High School class of 1961, she married the love of her life, Billy S. Franklin, on November 16, 1961. She was an active member of Graceville First Assembly of God.
After graduating high school, she began working at C. C. Creel Grocery Store, where she was known for her strong work ethic and warm, friendly spirit. She loved baking and often prepared special orders for others, sharing her talents in a way that brought happiness to many. She later worked at the Vanity Fair and Van Heusen Shirt Factory, where she refined her sewing abilities and developed a sharp eye for detail and quality. She also served as a bookkeeper for Franklin Gin Company and Franklin Equipment Company. After relocating to Texas in the late 1970s, she dedicated herself to her role as a homemaker, lovingly caring for her family.
Janie was known for her generous heart, her love of giving thoughtful gifts, and the quick, warm smile she offered to everyone she met. She found great joy in collecting antiques, playing games, tending to her growing collection of succulents, and, most of all, spending meaningful time with her friends and family. A faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Janie was deeply devoted to her church home at Graceville First Assembly of God, where her faith and fellowship were central to her life. She used her love of flowers to help make the sanctuary beautiful, quietly giving her time and talents as an act of worship. Her faith showed not only in what she believed, but in how she lived — with gentleness, generosity, and grace.
She is survived by her loving husband, Billy Franklin; her two children, Melinda Boyd of Slocomb and Stephen Franklin (Ann Marie) of College Station; five grandchildren, Derek Boyd, Kayla Boyd, Rebecca Franklin, Elizabeth Franklin, and Claire Franklin; one great-grandson, Boston Boyd; one brother, Richard Kirkland; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her father, George Kirkland; her mother, Rhoda Kirkland; and her siblings, Betty Palmer, Jeanette Corbitt, and Rondel Kirkland. Funeral services will be held on February 21, 2026, at Graceville First Assembly of God, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. No public graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Janie’s memory to Missions or to Gideons International for Bibles. Memorial Contributions can be made to Graceville First Assembly Missions Fund, 5595 Brown Street, Graceville, 32440, or given to your local church. Donations for Gideon Bibles may be made at https://share.google/0EtCjeCFrgf8RjWT6.