757.628.1000

Madeline H. Franklin


Sunrise: October 9, 1932

Sunset: March 18, 2019

Madeline Henry Franklin, cherished by her family and friends was called to her eternal home by our Lord Jesus on Monday, March 18, 2019. She peacefully received her call to join the heavenly angels while at home with her children by her side. Madeline was born to the late Youell and Nancy Henry in Richmond, VA 86 years ago. She attended the local schools of Richmond, graduating from Armstrong High School in 1949 and went on to pursue her passion of nursing where she received her certification as a License Practical Nurse of VA,
where she was employed at St. Phillip Hospital Richmond, VA. In 1952, she married the love of her life Harrison Lee Franklin Sr. fondly known as “Buzzy”, her husband of 59 years and to this union 4 children were born Manina, Valerie, Letitia and Harrison Jr. In 1955, Madeline and Buzzy moved to Norfolk, VA as a result of his naval career of 31 years. Where she resided for 64 years in the same Chesapeake Gardens neighborhood where she raised her four children and served as Girl Scout Leader Brownie Troop, member of the Naval Office’s Wives Club and her pride and joy being a Mary Kaye Consultant. Madeline was excellent seamstress and taught sewing classes at Norview High Evening School…she was a  fashionista” before her time. After being a stay at home mother for many years, Madeline began her career at Norfolk State College in 1971 where she retired after 25 years of service in 1995 from the library. She was President of the Norfolk State University Association of Educational Office Professionals NSUAEOP where she spearheaded various programs and was appointed to many committees from the college presidents. Madeline had adventure running in her blood, where she boarded a bus for one month with a program called Trip
Across America. Buzzy being unsure if she would make the entire bus trip, so he handed her a plane ticket just in case she wanted to get back to him sooner. She traveled extensively going to Virgin Islands, Jerusalem, Egypt, Hawaii and multiple times to the Holy Land Experience just to name a few. Madeline lived life with the spirit of compassion, dedication and commitment in every aspect of her life as well as an extended “unconditionally” love for her family and friends. She was a great servant of God and was dedicated to her “second family” Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church where she served in numerous capacities
such as Deaconess, Chair of Family Life Center Building Project, President of John C.
Riddick Senior Ministry, No. 2 Usher Board for over 60 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents Youell and Nancy Henry, brother, Otis Leroy Henry, husband, Harrison Lee Franklin, Sr., daughter in-law, Iris Franklin and daughter, Manina Harris. A virtuous woman, Madeline leaves to carry on her legacy of love; three children, Valerie Lee Franklin of Raleigh, NC, Letitia Elise Franklin of Columbia, MD and
Harrison Lee Franklin, Jr. of Norfolk, VA; six grandchildren, Sonya Garris of Raleigh, Shari Hart (Mills) of Norfolk, VA, Brandon Harris of Richmond, VA, Qiana Stewart (Shaun) of Richmond, VA, Shannon Sanders (Rashard) and Ivi Franklin of Maryland; seven great grandchildren, Jalen and Jasmine Hart, Derrick and Qyante Parham, Jaya Morgan, Rashard Sanders and Amir Knight; devoted son in-law, Leonard Nathaniel Harris and host of nephew, nieces and cousins.

Viewing Friday, March 22, 2019 Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23523 Wake Service Friday, March 22, 2019 5:00pm - 8:00pm Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church 1057 Kennedy Street Norfolk, VA 23513 Service Saturday, March 22, 2019 11:00am Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church 1057 Kennedy Street Norfolk, VA 23513 Interment Woodlawn Memorial Gardens 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23504

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Condolences(11)

  1. reply
    LISA YVETTE MONTGOMERY says

    To the Franklin Family ….Ms. Franklin was a Beautiful Spiritual Woman whom Always Had a Kind word and a Beautiful Smile. May the Lord continue to Guide each of you.

    • reply
      Glenda Coefield says

      Glenda Coefield
      Good moms are never forgotten and your mom was Great. Thinking of you and feeling your loss. God Bless ????

  2. reply
    Judith Walston Henderson says

    To Valerie and family, words are hard to express at a time like this. May God sustain and comfort you during this most difficult time. Praying for you. Peace be upon you.

  3. reply
    Estherine J. Harding says

    I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Franklin. She was such a godly lady & blessed all who knew her with kindness and love. Mrs.Franklin is now present with the Lord and has received a great reward for all her years of service to her church, Norfolk State University and its students, Order of the Eastern Star of VA, PHA, etc. Mrs. Franklin will never be forgotten.
    Family, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers!

  4. reply
    Crystal Frye says

    Blessings, Peace & Power, to the Franklin Family.
    My mother spoke fondly of Mrs. Madeline, as they were in bible study together.
    Please except my heartfelt condolences & sympathy at a time , such as this.

  5. reply
    Pearline P. Hatmon says

    To the Franklin Family: you have my deepest sympathy. Mrs Franklin and I worked together at Norfolk State together for many, many years. She was always one with a kind word and a smile I will keep the family in my prayers. God Bless each of you. Pearline Palmer Harmon

  6. reply
    Angela Scott says

    To the family:
    During times like these words may or may not bring comfort to each of you.
    Sending heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences during this difficult time.

    Shari, Boo, Jay and Jas
    You all have my sympathy.

    Angela Scott

  7. reply
    Diane Talley says

    I knew Mrs. Franklin through Martin Florist as she was the one who would call and order the sympathy flowers for My. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. She was a sweet lady. I met her several times at Mt. Gilead and even before I knew who she was I recognized her sweet voice from our telephone conversations. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. My deepest condolences to her familly.
    Diane Talley
    Martin Florist

  8. reply
    Dortha Anderson says

    May God continue to bless and keep the family as you go through this great loss. Mrs. Franklin was the most beautiful, sweet earth angel I have ever met. She reminded me so much of my mother so I adopted her as my work Mom at Norfolk State University. Love You All To Life…Myra’s sister “Dot”

  9. reply
    Sharon Smith says

    To Latisha and family, my prayers are with you. Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal. To be absent from this earthly tabernacle is to be present with the Lord.

  10. reply
    Vernell Gray says

    To the Franklin Family.
    Happy Birthday in heaven. The Tribe of Zebulon miss you.
    From The Leaders

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