Wanda R Franklin

Wanda Ray Autry Franklin went home to her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2010. She passed away peacefully at the Charlier VNA Hospice Center surrounded by the big family that she loved. During her two weeks at VNA she was treated with dignity and tender loving care. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all those who cared for her during the end of her journey here on earth.

Wanda was born on March 26, 1932 in Elfie, Butler County, Kentucky. She lived in Evansville since the age of 13. Wanda worked for seven years at Flexsteel Funiture in the mill room and for twenty years at Professional Maintenance assigned to Indiana Bell. Wanda’s last and most loved job, was being a greeter for the Westside Wal-Mart; there she enjoyed meeting old friends and friends of her children now with children of their own, and she especially enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of her “Westside Wal-Mart family”. Wanda’s life is best described in a note recently written to her by a former co-worker which said, “I always saw Jesus in you by the way you treated people.”

Wanda was a member of the Faith Church of the Nazarene (formerly known as Northside Diamond Valley Nazarene) since June 1963. She served as a delegate to the missionary convention since the late 80’s and as an assistant in the church library since the early 90’s.

Wanda’s favorite pastime was spending time with her family. She coordinated their annual Thanksgiving dinners and Labor Day family reunion, which was no easy feat considering her family’s size. Wanda was who everyone went to when they needed an update or address for a family member.

Wanda is survived by her children, Rebecca (Bill) Farrell of Phoenix, AZ; Luke (Rebecca) Franklin of Anchorage, AK; Frances Kay (Bobby) Barbee, Dan (Teresa) Franklin, and Janet Sandleben, all of Evansville; and Kathy (Terrill) Trageser of Lynn Haven, FL; her grandchildren, Larry Wayne (Danielle) Dodson of Indianapolis; Mark (Trisha) Dodson of Phoenix, AZ; Eric Franklin and Melanie Franklin of Anchorage, AK; Brandon (Carla) Barbee of Virginia Beach, VA; Lindsey Franklin and Jacob Franklin of Evansville; Steven Sandleben and Alan Sandleben of Evansville; and Dawn Trageser and DeWayne (Tiffany) Trageser of Lynn Haven, FL; and 12 great grandchildren. Wanda also leaves her loving sister, Doris Carol (Jim) David of Providence, KY; and her loving brothers, Roy (Sylvia) Holder and Jim Bob (Darlene) Holder; her nephew to whom she was as close to as a brother, Randall (Shirley) Peach of Evansville; and her niece whom she fondly referred to as her “Fifth daughter” Brenda Robertson (Gary) Simpson of Lexington, KY; and many other loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Wanda is preceded in death by her husband, Luke; parents, Zella (Goff) and Veachel Autry and Robert Holder; sisters, Ruby Autry, Jean Robertson, and Gladys Baize; brothers, Veachel Jr., Billy and Charles Autry; granddaughter, Ashley Franklin; and great granddaughter, Madeline Barbee.

Services will be held 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 16, 2010 at Faith Church of the Nazarene, 519 E. Olmstead Ave, Evansville, IN, officiated by Rev. Cathy West with burial at Locust Hill Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Rd, Evansville, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Church of the Nazarene.