Laura and Arthur Franklin

Laura Hain Huey Franklin passed away on June 30, 2019. She was born in Birmingham on October 11, 1926, to Dr. Benjamin Maclin Huey III and Ella Sue Erwin Huey. She graduated from Ensley High School in 1944 and attended Birmingham-Southern College. Laura was a gifted soprano who dreamed of pursuing a professional career, but like many women of her generation, she chose marriage and family instead. She remained active musically through choir directing and performing as a soloist for many years. She loved playing the piano and organ; music and singing could always be heard in the Franklin home. Laura completed her bachelor’s degree in German at Samford University; following that, she earned a master’s degree at the University of Alabama. Laura taught German and English at Woodlawn High School and later switched to primary education at Birmingham’s Norwood and Bush Elementary Schools. She married A. Paul Franklin in August of 1946; their marriage lasted almost 73 years. When progressive dementia made it impossible to remain at home, Laura was moved to Kirkwood by the River, where she received loving care and attention for the final three years of her life.

Surviving Laura are her sister Martha Huey Franklin (Luther, no Franklin relation) of Seattle, WA, husband Paul, son Paul Huey Franklin (Eva) and daughter Suzanne Franklin Whitfield (Bill), both of Hoover. Grandchildren are Valerie Salinas (Greg) of Hoover and Ben Whitfield (Lesley) of Walnut Creek, California, and great-grandchildren Henry and Ivy Salinas. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home. Graveside service will be follow at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo at 1:15pm; in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the humane society or animal shelter of your choice.--