Mary Massie Franklin

Mary Massie Franklin, 84, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 at her residence in Bentley Commons. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Alton Lee Franklin. Born in Goode, July 30, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Wharton B. Massie, Sr. and Sallie Elizabeth Massie. She was a Registered Nurse and retired from Virginia Baptist Hospital after 38 years of service and was a member of Randolph Memorial Baptist Church. She loved crafts and especially quilting. She also loved people and was affectionately known by many as Granny or Big Granny. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Wharton B. Massie, Jr. and Durock Wingfield Massie. She is survived by two daughters, Betsy Franklin McKinney and her husband Bob of Bedford, Cindy Franklin Soult and her husband Glenn of Madison Heights; two grandchildren, Rev. Greg Soult and wife Maryanna and Mandy Soult Cassise and husband David; four great grandchildren, Brandon, Gavin, and Josiah and Hannah. A service celebrating her life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Randolph Memorial Baptist Church with her grandson, Rev. Greg Soult officiating. Interment will follow in Briarwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Whitten Monelison Chapel. The family also wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Bentley Commons and Gentle Shepherd Hospice for their loving care of Granny. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests Randolph Memorial Baptist Church Renovation Fund, 4246 S. Amherst Hwy, Madison Heights, VA 24572 or to the Lynchburg Area Food Bank, 501 12th St., Lynchburg, VA 24504.