Mrs. Joyce Bell Franklin Obituary (1943

Joyce Bell Franklin, 80, of Ooltewah, Tennessee passed away peacefully Sunday, March 10, 2024, at home with her family. Born April 25, 1943, to the late William A. and Faye G. Bell in Lee County, Mississippi, Joyce grew up in Brooksville, Mississippi and attended Brooksville High School. Prior to moving to Ooltewah, Tennessee, she was a long-time resident of Greenville, Mississippi. A banker all her adult life, Joyce retired as a Vice President, Branch Manager and Loan Officer for Jefferson Bank of Greenville. She was active in numerous civic organizations. Joyce was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville as well as the Ooltewah Baptist Church. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and serving in the women’s ministry. Mrs. Franklin was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 54 years, Richard Anthony Franklin, her son Michael L. Franklin, and son-in-law Wade Sumrall. Joyce leaves behind two daughters, Dr. Lynne F. Madonia (Joey), Loretta Sumrall, and one son, Samuel A. Franklin (Melinda): two sisters, Maxine Eaves of Vernon, Alabama and Barbara Longcrier of Rogersville, Tennessee, She is also survived by five grandsons, Clint Franklin, Josh Franklin, Tyler Sumrall, Xan Sumrall, Reid Sumrall, and four granddaughters, Maribeth Madonia, Evvie Grace Franklin, Ansleigh Franklin, and Allyee Franklin, and five great grandchildren, Kierstin Franklin, Carter Franklin, Lilly Franklin, Baker Sumrall and Miles Sumrall. She will be fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family will receive family and friends Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Ooltewah Baptist Church. A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. from Cedar Bluff Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in Cedar Bluff, Mississippi. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the local arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com or at www.calvertfuneralhome.com.