Patricia Franklin
Posted: April 26, 2019
Reflection of a Precious Life. Patricia Ann Wright Franklin was born to Clifton and Irma Jean Wright, Sr., in Columbus, MS, August 25, 1961. She received her early education in the public schools of Columbus, MS, completing the eleventh and twelfth grades at Caldwell High School in Columbus, MS and graduating in 1979. She first worked as a clerk in the Lowndes County Courthouse. Before becoming an educator, she was the secretary for Zion Gate M. B. Church. A longtime resident of Columbus (Southside) and member of the Zion Gate M.B. Church, where she served as Superintendent of Sunday School and a member of the sanctuary choir. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from MUW in Columbus, MS and her Master’s Degree from The University of West Alabama. She was employed as an Assistant Teacher in the Columbus City School District and went on to work as a secretary in the Columbus City School District, where she retired from Columbus High at the close of the 2017-2018 academic year, ending a career which spanned 28 years. During her tenure, she touched the lives of many including the faculty, parents and most of all, the students. She was a comedian, but could also be serious when necessary and her smile was captivating! The students perceived “Mrs. Franklin” as tough, but fair. She loved them!!! Patricia “DUSTY” was the founder of Sister’s Night Out (SNO). She and these ladies would have the best time fellowshipping with one another through food, fun and laughs. It was her way of spending time with people she loved and admired. Leisure time was spent shopping! As we all know, she was a fashionista and loved animal prints most of all. Cooking was also something she did to unwind, but mostly, in the last couple of years, she enjoyed spending time with her one and only grandson, Landen. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, William Irvin Wright. She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving husband, Leroy Franklin; son, Alven Franklin, both of Columbus, MS; grandson, Landen Franklin of Macon, MS; sister, Edwina Coleman; brothers, Clifton Wright, Jr. and Bobby Deselle of Baton Rouge, LA; aunt, Minnie Fulton; stepdaughter, Leronica Franklin, all of Columbus, MS; cousin, Pamela Chuka of Marietta, GA; and a host of special cousins, loved ones and friends. Visitation will be held Friday from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the Lee-Sykes Funeral Home Chapel of Columbus and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Zion Gate M.B. Church. The service will be held Saturday at 12:00 PM at Zion Gate M.B. Church. Burial will follow at Sandfield Cemetery. Lee-Sykes Funeral Home of Columbus has been entrusted with the arrangements.