Nelda Powell Franklin

Nelda Powell Franklin, 88, of Lenoir, NC died Saturday, February 23, 2013. Born in Burke County, NC on December 31, 1924, she was a daughter of the late James W. "Bud" Powell and Mary McGalliard Powell. Nelda was a member of Drexel Church of Christ. She retired from Drexel Knitting Mills with over 40 years of service to the company. Nelda was an avid bird watcher, loved working in her flower garden, and enjoyed embroidery.A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Nelda is survived by her children, Johnny Lee Franklin, Jr. and his wife, Dolly, of Lenoir, Allen Franklin and his wife, Lori, of Drexel, Dorothy Lowman and her husband, Elbert, of Connelly Springs, Linda Absher of Morganton, and Carolyn Franklin of Valdese; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and a sister, Margaret Byrd and her husband, Herbert, of Redding, CA.In addition to her parents, Nelda was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Lee Franklin, Sr.; a daughter, Ruby Franklin Jarrett; and two brothers, Raymond and Keith Powell.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 26, 2013 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. John Barnhardt and Bishop John Smiley officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence of the daughter, Linda Absher.Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.