Kathryn Franklin

Kathryn Harris Franklin, a native of Toledo, received her formative education in the public elementary schools. She graduated high school from Palmer Memorial Institute, Sedalia, NC, and was academically first in a class of approximately fifty. Kathryn entered Fisk University, Nashville, TN, and after two years transferred to the University of Toledo, Toledo, OH. While at the University of Toledo, Kathryn was inducted into Pi Gamma Mu, the national sociology society. Following graduation, she earned a Masters of Social Work degree from the Graduate School of Social Work at Ohio State University. After graduation from Ohio State University, Kathryn was employed as a caseworker at Child and Family Services of Toledo (now known as Family Services). She also worked there as a recruiter for African American adoptive and foster homes. Kathryn worked as a family service worker and later as Health Coordinator for the Head Start Program of the Toledo Board of Education, retiring as Head of Medical Services. Over the years, Kathryn has been a tireless volunteer in church and community activities. A member of Third Baptist Church since childhood, she has served as secretary/treasurer of the Mission Committee, member and Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Third Baptist Scholarship Fund, member and past president of the Twentieth Century Literary Club of Third Baptist Church, and member of the Church Board of Trustees (Trustee Emeritus). She also provided extensive service to the Toledo Y.W.C.A., serving as member of the Board of Trustees, Chairperson of the Development Committee, member of the Volunteer Committee and of the Strategic Planning Committee. She has also served in the past as first Vice-President and as Assistant Recording Secretary of the Board. Other organization memberships over the years have included the Toledo Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc. (twice past president and formerly recording and corresponding secretary); the Toledo Chapter of Links, Inc. (past recording secretary); the N.A.A.C.P.; Toledo Council of Church Women; Toledo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (past president); and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Lambda Chapter (past Dean of Pledges, past president; first president of Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter), Study Hour Club (twice past president) and Coterie Club (charter member). She has also over the years served on the Boards of the Volunteer Bureau, Planned Parenthood League, Sight Center of Toledo, Family and Child Abuse Agency, and was Chairperson of the Metro Division of United Way of Toledo for 1988. Among her honors, she was named Outstanding Woman of the Year- St. Vincent Hospital Women's auxiliary, 1975, and Outstanding Woman of the Year-Negro Business and Professional Women's Organization. Kathryn was also an avid bridge player and golfer, belonging to several bridge clubs over the years and the M.I.N.E. Golf group. Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Mayo and Rebecca Harris, and her husband of over 59 years, Judge Robert V. Franklin Jr., as well as her beloved son, Jeffery. She is survived by her son, Gary; her cousin who was more of a sister, Elizabeth Harris Lawson; cousins, Carol (Michael) Cuyjet, Clyde Lawson, and Leonard (Phyllis) Lawson; many nieces and nephews of the Franklin, Odoms, Evans and Mudd families, and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with Toledo Chapter of Girl Friends services at 6:00 p.m. and AKA rites at 6:30 p.m. Toledo Chapter of Links Inc. rites at 7:00 p.m. at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Family Hour Saturday at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at Third Baptist Church, Rev. Kevin J. Bedford Sr. officiant, entombment Toledo Memorial Park. www.dalefh.com Published in Toledo Blade on August 16, 2012 Print | View Guest Book

Kathryn Franklin

August 8, 2012