Florence Ray Franklin

Tuesday, April 24, 2007, Florence Ray Franklin, was embraced into eternal glory by her Savior, Jesus Christ.Florence Gertrude Ray was born July 22, 1924 to Daniel Leathy Ray and Florence Hancock Ray in Zion, Illinois. She graduated from Zion Benton H.S. in 1942. She earned her RN from Victory Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Waukegan, IL in 1945. She then continued her education at Biola (Bible Institute of Los Angeles) graduating as a servant of Christ in 1950.While working as a public health nurse and mid-wife on horse back in the hills of eastern Kentucky, Florence met and married the Rev. Robert E. Lee Franklin on Nov. 23, 1954. As a minister's wife, they made many moves through their years together covering numerous states including Pennsylvania, Iowa, California, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas. She wore many hats throughout her years: minister's wife, mother, RN, teacher, student, visitation pastor, grandma, camp nurse, and shelter "mom".She considered it a great honor to intercede in prayer for friends and family or anyone in need. She was a member of numerous Bible studies throughout her lifetime, from BSF to Sunday school classes. She loved being known for her "brief but to the point answers". She left her loved ones with the most precious gift possible, a confidence that she has been saved by grace and will enter in Heaven with Christ as her Savior. We cry in sorrow, but rejoice in her final victory.She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Robert E. Lee Franklin.Survivors include children, David Arthur and his wife, Elaine, John Robert and his wife Linda, Paul Ray and his wife, Barra, Marian Sue Harris, and her husband Jamie; six grandsons and two granddaughters; sister Mary Ellen Horton, and numerous nieces and nephews.Memorial Services will be 10:30 am, Saturday, April 28 at First Baptist Church of Willow Park, 601 Ranch House Rd., Willow Park.Memorials: Her memory may be honored by a gift to the mission organization of your choice.