Thersa Ann Franklin Obituary (1942 - 2014)

Thersa Ann (McClanahan) Franklin of Lebanon passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Altha House McClanahan, and two brothers, James Roy McClanahan and Hoyal McClanahan. She is survived by Jerry L. Franklin, husband of 48 years, two sons, Jon (Karen) Franklin, O.D. of Mount Juliet and Jason (Lorie) Franklin, Assistant Principal of Wilson Central High School of Lebanon, four grandchildren, A.J. , Erin, Andrew and Baylor, two brothers, Dwight and Hollis (Marlane) McClanahan, very special friend (Uncle) Wayne Rogers, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Thersa was born on August 15, 1942 and grew up in the Grant community of Smith County. She was baptized and became a member of Grant Missionary Baptist Church in 1953. In adulthood, she attended College Hills Church of Christ with her family until the present time. Mrs. Franklin was a faithful and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a true friend to many, a loyal citizen and a servant to her community. She found joy in preparing food for the sick and grieving. Mrs. Franklin was a vivacious lady who loved spending time with her family, watching her sons and grandchildren play sports, and traveling to new places. In later years, she was also interested in genealogy and family history. A 1960 graduate of Gordonsville High School, she began working at Greer Insurance in Lebanon. Later, she served Wilson County in the Registrar's office for 18 years before retiring in 1998. After retirement, she worked for the Wilson County Election Commission part-time. She was a long time member of the Cedar Hill FCE, a volunteer for the Wilson County Fair, and a longtime member of the Wilson County Garden Guild. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Active pallbearers are A.J. Franklin, Andrew Franklin, Baylor Franklin, (Uncle) Wayne Rogers, Andy Franklin, and Jeff Franklin. Honorary Pallbearers are David Bingham, Charlie Harrison, John Hunt, Steve Hunt, Billy McClanahan, and Kai Grissim. Visitation will be at Partlow Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 17, 2014 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at College Hills Church of Christ on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until funeral service. Dr. Larry Locke and Bro. Kevin Owen will officiate. Interment will follow in the Gordonsville Cemetery.PARTLOW FUNERAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements. (615)444-7007 OBIT LINE (615) 444-7700 www.partlowchapel.com