Priscilla Franklin Fitch Obituary (1948 - 2026)

When the time comes to bid this life farewell, we should find comfort in knowing that a loving God will be there with us to guide us to our new home. "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. "Psalm 69:30. Mrs. Priscilla Joyce Franklin Fitch answered the Savior's call as she slept peacefully into eternal rest on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her son and daughter were by her bedside as she transitioned. Priscilla was born on May 9, 1948, to the late Pearl Franklin and was raised by her great-aunt, the late Louise Franklin Payne, whom she affectionately called "Momma," and her grandfather, the late Dudley Franklin, whom she lovingly called "Daddy." They all preceded her in death, along with her beloved husband, James Mitchell Fitch; her brother, Claude "Donald" Franklin; and those with whom she grew up as adopted brothers and sisters in the family home of Louise Payne. Priscilla accepted Christ and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend W. J. Kerr. She became a faithful member of Evergreen Baptist Church in Wilmington, Virginia, where she actively served in Sunday School, the Junior Choir, and the Senior Choir. After marrying and relocating to Charlottesville, she attended Zion Union Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as Trustee and Treasurer. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Priscilla worshiped through the online ministry of Antioch Baptist Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia, and ultimately became a Watch Care member under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Kevin B. Taylor. She passionately believed in serving the Lord and trusting in His grace and mercy. Her faith never wavered, even during her illness. Family and friends who visited her in the hospital often heard her praying aloud, a testament to her unwavering trust in God. Priscilla graduated from S. C. Abrams High School in Palmyra, Virginia, in 1966. Determined to further her education, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she lived with her adopted sister, Esther Smith, and her husband, Lester Smith, while attending Smithdeal-Massey Business College. During that time, she lovingly cared for their daughter, Kim, while pursuing and earning her associate degree. Priscilla met the love of her life, James Fitch, shortly after graduating from high school. They were united in marriage on July 10, 1971. From this joyous union were born their daughter, LaTayna, and son, Jamal. Together they built a loving family life until James's untimely passing on May 12, 1990. A dedicated and hardworking woman, Priscilla began her career with National Linen in Charlottesville and later worked for Centel until the company closed. She then found her calling with DePaul Community Resources (formerly DePaul Family Services), where she developed a special love for the children and families served through foster care and adoption programs. After many years of faithful service, she retired in 2020. Priscilla cherished family. Having grown up in a home where loved ones gathered regularly for meals, fellowship, laughter, and love, she carried those values throughout her life. She maintained close relationships with family members near and far, never hesitating to call, check in, or offer words of encouragement. Believing deeply in the importance of family unity, she organized numerous Franklin Family Reunions. Even during a hospital stay in March, she expressed her desire to hold another family reunion in the summer of 2026. Those who loved her were determined to make that wish a reality in her honor. Her children and grandchildren were the greatest joys of her life. Affectionately known as "Poohbear" to her grandchildren, she greeted each phone call from her children and grandchildren with the loving words, "Hello, Baby." She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love: her devoted daughter, LaTayna Fitch Brown (Christopher); her beloved son, Jamal Fitch; her treasured grandchildren, Elysia-Ari Brewington, Andrew Brewington IV, Jamil Fitch-Warfield, Tahj Clements, Macayla Clements, Cameron Brewington, Alayla Jackson, Christopher Brown II, and Jamesa Fitch; one great-grandchild, Amaya Jackson; her sister, Margaret "Diane" Franklin; her brother, Charles "Peanut" Franklin; her adopted brother, Willie "WJ" Monroe (Brenda); her adopted sister, Kimberly Smith Jones (Melvin); her beloved niece, Susan Bryant; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the special friends she met at The Independence. Though her earthly journey has ended; the love, faith, strength, kindness, and laughter she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. The family is currently finalizing arrangements for a Celebration of Life service. Additional details will be shared as they become available. To the Fitch family, we at D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow. It is during such times as these that we draw upon our faith, stand upon our scriptures, and rely upon our God. There is no question that in this and through this, God will keep you, comfort you, and sustain you. You and your family are forever in our prayers.