Committal
Shirley Ann Franklin, 79, of Morganton, NC, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026.
Born in Chattahoochee County, GA on December 14, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Wilfred Kelley and Kathrine Jackson Kelley.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved spending time with her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed hunting for arrowheads and artifacts, and painting, and she was known for her painted flowerpots. She also enjoyed antique shopping.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Melvin Douglas Franklin; daughters, Patricia Jean Ross (William) and Carol Franklin Cook (Brian); grandchildren, Randy Keith Franklin, Barry Lynn White, and Kasey Nicole Franklin; great-grandchildren, Hayden Tester, Karson Sellers, Trevor White, and Trinity Franklin; great-great-grandson, Malcom Sellers; and a sister, Mary Jo Reece.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Brad Browning officiating.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
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So sorry for her passing and this family's loss. She was a wonderful person. She'll be missed.
So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. Sending my condolences to Mr.Franklin and their family.
I miss you so much Mamaw. You will always be my angel.
Carol my prayers are with you and your beautiful family. I know Gods love is beside you during this difficult time. I know the pain all to well. I love you and Godspeed ❤️
Our condolences to Doug and the family. 🙏
So very sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was my first cousin and I always enjoyed when our family got together and she was there. She had a great personality, always smiling and joking around. We will miss her deeply. My prayers go out to Doug, Patricia, Carol Ann and family. May God comfort you all as only He can.
I love and miss you so much Mamaw But glad you are walking with Jesus. No more pain.
I love and miss you mom. This doesn't seem real, we had our good and bad times but we were so much alike and it definitely showed. I'll never stop missing you and I'm so glad we got to talk before you left. I feel nothing but sorrow. I'm selfish, I know but I can't help it. Hopefully I'll see you again someday #RIH
My beautiful sister, I can’t believe you’re gone. But I know you are healed and in Heaven having a glorious reunion. I will certainly miss our texts, but I’m thankful for the memories and our visit last month. Much love to Doug and all the Family. You are constantly in my prayers. Mary Jo
Shirley you were taken from us to soon, after all the years we have spent together it still wasn't enough,now your pain and suffering has all been taken away and you are dancing with the angels, we all love you and miss you