Mrs. Betty Chapman Franklin

Betty Chapman Franklin, 72, of Centreville, MS passed from this life on January 2, 2023 at home. Visitation is 11 am Sunday at Wilkinson County High School Gymnasium until services there at 12 pm with Superintendent Larry Weems officiating. Burial will follow at Embry Hill COGIC Cemetery. Betty was born August 13, 1949, in Centreville, MS, to the late Fred Douglas Chapman Sr. and Fannie Bell Lee Chapman. Sister Betty Chapman Franklin was a member of Beulah Land Church of God in Christ in Centreville, MS under the leadership of Superintendent Odell Franklin, where she faithfully served as First Lady until her passing. She also served as the First Lady for Embry Hill and Cason Chapel COGIC. Sis. Franklin was affectionately known as the “Song Bird of the South” and shared her gifts of singing, writing songs, and playing music with congregations near and far. Sis. Betty Franklin was joined in holy matrimony to Odell Franklin on December 26, 1970, and together, they reared many children in the church and community. She was preceded in death by her parents, (3) brothers: William, Joseph, and James; (5) sisters: Velma, Elnora, Louise, Shirley, & Rosie; (8) nephews, (1) niece, (3) sisters-in-law, and (6) brothers-in-law. Sis. Betty Franklin leaves to cherish her precious memory: her loving husband of 52 years, Superintendent Odell Franklin of Centreville, MS whom she affectionately called “Boo”; (1) godson, Christopher (Ruth) Drake of Centreville, MS; (1) god daughter, RaShanda (Hosea) Chapman of Magnolia, MS; (1) beloved nephew, Ezekiel Chapman of Centreville, MS; 5 beloved nieces, Georgia (Steven) White of Centreville, MS; Hilda (Jerry) Granger of Gloster, MS; Linda (Chris) Murray of Gloster, MS; Carolyn Singleton of Centreville, MS, and Stacy (Chris) Claiborne of Centreville, MS; (1) brother, Fred Chapman Jr., of Centreville, MS; (4) brothers-in-law, Sammie Cotton, MacArthur Franklin Sr., and Frederick Franklin, all of California; and Eddie Franklin of Gloster, MS. (5) sisters-in-law, Judisene (Chris) Uboma of Sacramento, CA; Lorrain Taylor & Debra Ann Franklin both of Dublin, CA; Mary Ann Franklin of Centreville, MS, and Nora (Frederick) Franklin of California; beloved neighbors, Shahavaneka Thomas and Maleka, affectionately known as “Chunk,” a special friend, May Reese “affectionately called “Crocodile” of Centreville, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, and friends. Let us please be mindful of the mask wearing and social distancing.

Mrs. Betty Chapman Franklin

August 13, 1949 - January 2, 2023