Melva Elizabeth Jenkins Franklin

Melva Elizabeth Jenkins Franklin, 87, of Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC passed away peacefully into her eternal reward on Saturday, April 14, 2007 after several years of declining health. Born in Rutherford County, NC on September 11, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Ollie J. Jenkins of Harris, NC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Gwendolyn J. Cannon of Columbia, SC, Hoke Jenkins, Maurice Jenkins, and Bill Jenkins, all of Harris, NC. She was a 1937 graduate of Harris High School and a 1940 graduate of Grace Hospital School of Nursing. After a number of years on the Grace Hospital staff, she entered into private practice with Dr. J.B. Helms for over thirty years. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for over fifty years. Additionally, she was an active member of Grace Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association. She also co-authored with Ms. Katherine Whisnant "The History of Grace Hospital", which was published on the seventy-fifth anniversary of Grace Hospital.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Herbert "Hub" Franklin of Morganton; three children, Robert A. Franklin of Greensboro, NC, Elizabeth Ann F. Ragan of Oak Ridge, TN, and Richard Franklin of Morganton; seven grandchildren, Amanda Ragan of Oak Ridge, Captain Patrick Ragan (USAF) of Glendale, AZ, Lindsay F. Berrang of Jacksonville, FL, Kelly F. Greene of Asheville, NC, Christopher "Chris" Franklin of Arlington, VA, Katherine "Katie" Franklin of Greenville, NC, and Craig Franklin of Morganton; and two great-grandchildren, Savannah and Corban Berrang, both of Jacksonville, FL.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Hospital School of Nursing Scholarship Fund, c/o Jackie Pruett, 136 VFW Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.