Her Spiritual Life
Barbara’s spiritual journey began at an early age, and was the highlight of her life. With great joy and enthusiasm, she served the Lord Jesus Christ wholeheartedly, and often shared His great love with anyone she encountered. She was a very faithful and active member of the Mount Olive Church of God in Christ, and later at the Greater Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, both in Wichita. She served in numerous leadership capacities, often working with the youth groups (Sunday School teacher and a "Sunshine Band" leader) and with young adult women (Young Women Christian Council). She also served in leadership capacities on the city, district and state levels. Barbara's final place of worship was at the Abundant Life Church of God in Christ in Dallas, where she enthusiastically worshiped and served. She enjoyed volunteering with several ministries. She had a passion for visiting those who were sick and homebound, often preparing meals for those she visited.

Her Professional Life
Barbara studied child development at the Wichita State University. She worked for the Kansas Board of Education/Wichita Independent School District for nearly twenty five years. Her base school was the Starkey Developmental Center where she served as a Home Living Instructor. She received the "Teacher of the Year Award" from her peers in 1991. Barbara loved her students, and often bonded with each of them as well as their parents. She felt working with developmentally challenged students was a "joy" because of the love of God in her heart.  Barbara often involved her family in her work. It was not unusual for her to bring students home from school, especially those who were underprivileged or those with significant clothing needs or even those needing tender loving care. Barbara loved cooking for her colleagues, and for her students and often found reasons to celebrate almost every occasion imaginable. Her specialty entrees or baked goods were often rewards for those in her company. She enjoyed feeding others with a smile and a generous attitude. 

Her Family Life 
Barbara loved her family and spent time nurturing each of her seven children. As often as possible, she made it her priority to attend special events, whether it was at the elementary school level for her younger children, or the college level for the older children. Each child was unique, and she had a way of making each feel special and loved. She loved preparing "goodie packages" as her children went away to college, surprising them with their favorite baked cookies cakes or breads. Celebrating birthdays was a sheer delight for Barbara, as she enjoyed hosting large gatherings in our home, welcoming another year of life. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality, welcoming anyone who visited her in her home. She welcomed friends, neighbors, church members, colleagues and of course family. No appointment was ever necessary; she would always have plenty of food on hand to welcome and entertain her guests. A story about our mother was written and published by Greg Franklin, Barbara's youngest son.  The title, "Hand Me Down Love" can be found in the "Chicken Soup for the African American Soul"; 2004 edition.

Her Hobbies
 Barbara's hobbies were reading spiritual resource books, cooking and catering, traveling and shopping. She loved the art of coordinating and wearing fine clothing and beautiful hats   (Barbara’s love for hats was on display at her funeral service on May16, 2003). She had a special knack for home interiors, and frequently spent time decorating and maintaining her home, inside and out. She and our father both enjoyed designing landscaping projects in our home. From flowers, a well maintained lawn and even beautiful holiday decorations, friends and neighbors loved visiting our home simply because of the great care and maintenance that was so carefully coordinated.

After living in Wichita for 50 years, Barbara moved to Dallas on June 7, 2002. She was very enthusiastic about her move, and felt the Lord ordering her footsteps as she made that brave journey to begin a new life in a large, urban city. She made new friends and explored new ventures while residing in her new suburb of DeSoto (she chose DeSoto to position herself half-way between her two daughters – Karen in Arlington, and Regina in Dallas). Unfortunately, Barbara’s life came to a rapid end as she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow) shortly after sustaining a broken hip in November, 2002.  With a peaceful spirit, she bid her family and friends farewell on Friday, May 9, 2003 as she prepared to personally meet her Heavenly Father in Heaven. "This is what I have lived my entire life for, so I have said "yes" to the Lord!"

Her Cherished Grandchildren
Shortly after retiring at the age of 60, Barbara enjoyed traveling to different cities to spend time with each of her grandchildren in their respective cities. She loved spending time with each individually, whether spending time on the floor playing with books and blocks, or of course, her favorite love, cooking. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren also celebrate wonderful memories of their grandmother. She adored each of them and loved them so much!

Brandon, Morgan, Blake and Christina Franklin
Michael and James Franklin
Ross and Chad Franklin
Andrea and Marcus Thurman
Brittany, Tiandrea and Kalyn Dixon
Timothy, Jeremy, Geordy and Sydney Williams
Regan and Raymond Alex Basye III (born after her death)

Her great-grandchildren she never had the pleasure of meeting:
Aianna Williams
Taylor Thurman
Braedon Elijah Franklin

Today, we remember our mother with this scripture:
"Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 30:31.