Essie Marie Franklin, also known as “Maria”, the eldest daughter of John Jones and Mosella Williams, was born October 15, 1942 in Memphis,Tennessee. The family moved Essie from Tennessee to River Rouge Michigan. Essie graduated from River Rouge High School, where she met and married her husband of 58 years Everett Allen Franklin Sr. (deceased).
Essie and Everett moved to Detroit after Everett was hired at Ford Motor Company and raised their family. Essie worked at the United States Postal Service until retirement. She had many passions. One of her most important passions was caring for children. In addition to raising their own children, Essie and Everett were foster parents for over 25 years. They were awarded Foster Parents of the Year in 1972 by the Catholic Social Services Agency of Detroit. Essie and Everett opened their home as an emergency placement home for children who needed immediate care. Essie organized a variety of activities including Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs and other community activities to keep the children under their care well fed and happy. Essie treated and loved every child equally. She was known as “mom” to all of them. Even after Essie and Everett retired from foster parenting, many children returned the favor by visiting and keeping in touch as adults all of the time.
Essie’s other interests included sports, music (Essie played the violin) and travel. Essie visited many cities throughout the U.S. and overseas. One of her most memorable trips was to the White House over 30 years ago, where she lost the tour group she was with and ended up being escorted back to her tour group by the secret service, who enjoyed her company.😊
Essie was a loving and dedicated Christian. As a teenager, Essie attended International Gospel Center, pastored by the late Apostle Charles O. Miles. She always placed God first and foremost in her life. This was her foundation. Essie found her church home as an adult at Perfecting Church in Detroit (Bishop Elect Marvin L. Winans). As one of the original members of Perfecting, Essie was a very active member. She organized and participated in Women’s conferences, singing with the Joyful Noise choir on Sundays and other special occasions, and attended spiritual trips including to Jerusalem- a trip she highly cherished. Also, if a church member needed transportation, Essie was always there to help her fellow members with transportation. She would personally pick them up from their homes, take them to services and drive them back. Essie believed receiving the word was very important to lead a meaningful life.
Essie and her husband Everett moved from Detroit to Florida in their retirement years. While in Florida, Essie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Essie is survived by her sister Kathryn Williams, her children: Tanya Costa (Mario), Everett Franklin Jr. (Beverly Felton), Keith Franklin (Rhonda), Antoine Franklin (deceased) Kesha Franklin, Julie Sosa. Grand children: Eric Franklin, Anthony Franklin, Rashard Franklin, Ebony Lynn Mullen, Keith Franklin Jr., Kyle Franklin, Tatiana Tolbert Franklin, Zakiya Pauling, Tijule Sosa-Drake, Marquise Walker, Dustin Costa (Amanda) and great-granddaughter Amaya Rose Tolbert, nieces and nephews: Traci Williams, Tyrone Williams, Talonda Williams-Lane (Derrick), Trevor Williams (Donzaleigh), Mya Lane, Maria Lane who is named after her. Her in-laws: Ronald Franklin (Doyleen) (deceased), Judith Crite (James), Cedric Franklin (Gail), Gerard Franklin (deceased). As well as a host of cousins, family and friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Harry J. Will Funeral Home 25450 Plymouth Road, Redford, Michigan 48239 from 11:00 am to 11:45am. A Memorial service will follow at 12 noon.
The Franklin family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Health First Viera Hospital, Viera, Florida; Dr. Felix Sosa, Merritt Island, Florida; Bishop Elect Marvin L. Winans and Elder Roy Haynes Perfecting Church, Detroit, Michigan; Pastor Bill Winston Living Word Christian Center, River Forest, Illinois; Apostle Ellis Smith, Pastor Maria Smith, Ministers Ronnie and LaShaun Franklin, Jubilee Christian Church, Westland Michigan; Pastor Connie Brooks, Jubilee International Ministries, Pittsburg, PA ; Paul Hope, Florida Memorial Gardens, Rockledge, Florida; Mary Ferrero and Tracy Spiess, Harry J. Will Funeral Home, Redford Michigan; Detroit Memorial Park West Cemetery, Redford, Michigan.
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