Bessie E. L. Franklin

Bessie E. L. Franklin, 98, of Erie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Corry Manor.

She was born November 4, 1927, in Erie, she was the daughter of the late Eulah and Cora (Kleckley) Battle, Sr.

Bessie was a lifelong resident of Erie, where she graduated from Academy. She gained employment at Marx Toy Factory and Hammermill Paper Co. Advertising Department, where she retired from. After retiring, she worked at Plastek and as a private duty nurse’s aide. Bessie was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church for numerous years as well as serving on the Usher’s Board there. In her down time, Bessie enjoyed watching soap operas, game shows, and cooking.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Charles J. Franklin; a son, Charles C. Crockett; two daughters, Ella L. Crockett and Jessica Thompson Brown; nine siblings, Eulah C. Battle, Jr., John Battle, Isaiah Battle, Alexander Battle, Dora B. Smith, Lois Elliott, Laritha B. Vactor, Joanne Battle, and Donna Marie Battle.

She is survived by a son Thomas W. Crockett, Sr., of Erie; two daughters, Shelley Crockett, of Erie and Judy Davis, of Ashburn, VA; nine grandchildren, Corrinda Crockett, of Charlotte, NC; Darnella Gaiter, of GA; Cassandra Crockett, Stephanie Neuffer, Tamara L’Amoureux, Tameka Crockett, Teon Crockett, Thomas Crockett, Jr., and Symoné Crockett, all of Erie; thirty great grandchildren; as well as many great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call at Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, 602 W. 10th St., Erie on Friday, November 14th from 12pm until the time of sharing there at 2pm. Burial will take place in Lakeside Cemetery.