Mary Carolyn England "Katy" Franklin

SAN ANGELO - Mary Carolyn England "Katy" Franklin, 71, of San Angelo passed away Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, in Midland, Texas, at her son's home after a battle with cancer. The Memorial Service is at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel with Rob Franklin officiating. Inurnment will follow in Grape Creek Cemetery. Mary Carolyn England "Katy" Franklin was born in Commerce, Texas, on Sept. 5, 1937, to Arthur Fredrick England and Leonanie Ophelia Conner England. Her early life was spent in Commerce, where she went to school and graduated in 1953. She graduated from East Texas State University in Commerce with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Katy married Rodney Grey Franklin on Oct. 14, 1960, in Commerce, Texas, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage together before he preceded her in death in 2003. Katy taught at Central High School for three years and was the first Director of the Tex-Ann's organization. She and her husband went to work for M.L. Leddy and Son's Boot Company and worked for twenty years (16 years in Midland and four years in San Angelo). In 1986, Katy then went to work for Grape Creek Independent School District as a teacher and also became the Librarian until her illness this year. Katy was affiliated with numerous organizations. She was a member of the East Texas State University Alumni Association, the Grape Creek Education Foundation, the Texas Librarians Association, past President of The Midland High School Choir Booster Club, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in San Angelo, and was at one time the National Vice President of the Kevin Costner Fan Club (which awarded her a flight to see the premiere of the major motion picture "Waterworld"). Katy's greatest joy in life was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother who spent many hours traveling with her sons in support of their Athletics and Fine Arts events and later she devoted her time to her grandchildren, who dearly referred to her as "Gabaw." Her sons found it appropriate that she passed away on Valentine's Day, since she was a "Sweetheart" to so many. She also cared for her extended family which included hundreds of children she helped in both the Midland and San Angelo communities. Katy was most definitely a "Mom" to two communities. She loved her horses and other animals that she cared for over the years, and she also enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and the Grape Creek Eagles. On Dec. 12, 2008, Katy received her most prestigious award when the 1.5 million dollar Katy Franklin Media Center was dedicated to her by the Grape Creek Independent School District. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Rod. Katy is survived by her sons, Rob Franklin and his wife, Susan Williamson, of Seminole, Texas, and Fred Franklin, of Midland; her grandchildren, Morgan Dawn Franklin of College Station, Texas, Chelsea Mae Cunningham and her husband, Brent, of Midland, Conner Jade Franklin of Granbury, Texas, Wesley Grey Wagoner of Menard, and Blue Williamson Franklin, Skyler McKee Franklin, and Robin Bailey Franklin, all of Seminole; and one sister, Patsy Sorrells, of Garland, Texas. Honorary Pallbearers for the service will be close friends of the family. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Grape Creek Education Foundation in care of Terri DeWeber at the Grape Creek ISD central office.

February 24, 2009
Teri Deweber
Someone told me once that any one of us could leave this school district and never be missed. That has been proven false. Katy was a mentor, a role model but mostly a friend to me and my heart is hurting over her loss. Yet, as much as I wish I could sit and talk with her once more, I wouldn't wish her back from what she is experiencing right now for anything in the world. Thank you for 20 years of friendship, Katy. I'll always love you.

February 22, 2009
Melissa Jones
Thank you for the short time that me and my daughter CJ got to know you. Alot of your passions are our passions. Your love of horses, i can really relate. Thank you for sharing some of your stories with me. You will be greatly missed. Cj's Mom- Melissa

February 19, 2009
Diana Collins
My precious Katy was a joy in my life. She carried me through some really rough waters. She never allowed me to give up. She will be missed greatly.

February 18, 2009
Desta Crooks
I have lost a dear friend--I know you are no longer hurting--WE all miss you dearly--God Bless your family--

February 17, 2009
Drema West
What a wonderful woman. How dearly she will be missed. We will never forget her kindness. Drema West, Jonathan, Samantha and Danielle Swaw

February 17, 2009
Shandi
We all loved Mrs. Franklin dearly. She was a great and loving person. She cared for all those that she knew. She was an outstanding supporter of the Grape Creek Athletics and the school itself. We love you Mrs. Franklin and will miss you dearly!

February 17, 2009
Jessica E
Mrs.Franklin was such a wonderful and kind women to everyone. She helped me with my school work anytime i needed her she will be missed but never ever forgotten. We all love you Mrs.Franklin

February 16, 2009
Debbie McWilliams
What a wonderful woman and role model. Katy will be missed by so many. I feel so blessed to have known her and for my children to have known her. GC will never be the same without her smile and warmth. Love you Mrs. Franklin. Debbie, Sharla and Mitch

February 16, 2009
Jennifer Wiese
When I think of Mrs. Franklin, I see her smiling. My memories of her are treasures. Grape Creek has lost a member of it's family- the pride for her Eagles beamed from within her. Mrs. Franklin and her wonderful stories made me love Texas History. She will be missed. Jennifer W.