Roberta May Franklin

Roberta Mae Reed was born to Marcella Theresa Molock Reed and Robert Louis Reed; she had two sisters. Born and raised in Denver, CO, she was educated in the Denver Public School System, where Roberta attended East High School, graduating in 1955.

In 1957, Miss Roberta married Lee Earl Franklin and to this union there were born three children, Robert Earl Franklin (Victoria), Renee Ann Franklin and Steven Douglas Franklin. Roberta and Lee Earl divorced in 1975. Miss Roberta is also survived by her former son-in-Bruce Smith.

Miss Roberta has 4 grandchildren: Matia Smith, Robert Franklin, Jr, Jasmine Franklin and Stephanie Franklin. She also has 2 great-grandchildren Marquis Smith and Fiona Hamilton
She is survived by one sister, Maxine Body and her son Lucas Reed.

She was preceded by her younger sister Laverne Anderson and is survived by Laverne's three children Kenny Anderson (Belinda), Jarae McKnight, and Ronzelle Anderson.

The center of Miss Roberta's life was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When Robert, Renee and Stevie were young she sacrificed everything to make sure they were taken care of and needed for nothing. (Wanted things, as kids sometimes do, but needed for nothing!) Robert said "She was the best Mom anyone could ever have." Her daughter Renee and she were constant companions, traveling together and usually inseparable. Of her Mom Renee says "there was no end to the things she would do for us". Stevie, the baby of the family, though he lived far away loved his mother dearly and came to visit as often as possible, talking to her frequently.

At times Miss Roberta worked two or three jobs to take care of her children. Those jobs involved her taking care of other people's children. She was always the nurturer and had plenty of love to give. She worked at Head Start and a summer camp for boys. She fed their bodies and their souls. Her final job was at the Child Opportunity Program in Denver which cared for children in crisis. She worked as a teacher's aide for children from Birth to 16 years. She worked there from 1975-1999, retiring with a lovely plaque that she always displayed. Neighbors, family, and friends all loved Miss Roberta and all who knew her will miss her dearly.

Our Mother LOVED the Lord Jesus Christ and He was Lord of her life. She had been a member of The House of Joy Miracle Deliverance Church for more than 30 years, under the leadership of the late Apostle Ralph Beechum and Elect Lady Carolyn Beechum. She frequently attended Glory to Glory Christian Center under the Leadership of Dr. Joelle Suel where she enjoyed services and enjoyed fellowship and prayer in her last two years of life. The ministry was a place of comfort and joy when mother was able to attend; it was easily accessible with it being 10 minutes from home and Mother's need for wheelchair accessible transportation.

Our Mother enjoyed an active prayer life even in her last years. She prayed with The Power of Prayer Network Apostle Carolyn Henderson and participated in frequent prayers with Mother Candy Robinson, via the telephone, and enjoyed morning gospel music with CNA Erica. These, along with her loved one's presence, were a source of strength and joy in her last years.

Our Mother was Renee's roommate, companion, and best friend for more than 18 years. Robert and Stevie would like to recognize all Renee gave and sacrificed in the care of our mother. The family too would especially like to thank all our Mother's caregivers. It truly took a village of caregivers in assisting in her care. We are grateful to Denise, Olive, Erica, Liz, Jackie and Jamma who cared for her in the last year of her life. We offer a tremendous heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Portia Ansah who faithfully served our Mother most days for the last 8 years. Thank you, we are forever indebted to all those mentioned and those not for the care given during the 18 plus years of her illness. God placed you all in our lives' for this appointed time in caring for our Mother.

Thank you all!