On the bright morning of Sunday, May 21, 1978, Maritza Dolores “Pook” Franklin made her grand entrance into the world on her parents Clarissa and Justice Franklin’s wedding anniversary. Joining her older siblings, Kateesha and Justin, who lovingly nicknamed her “Pookie,” she arrived with a playful spark that made the Franklin family circle feel delightfully complete.
A proud 1996 graduate of Paris High School, Maritza answered her calling to care for others by earning both her LVN and RN certifications from Paris Junior College School of Nursing. What followed was not simply a career but a nearly 27-year labor of love in nursing. She rose to serve as Director of Nursing at Paris Skilled Nursing Facility, where under her leadership she and her team achieved the rare and celebrated distinction of a deficiency free designation. She later continued her journey of compassion with Premier Home Health and Signature Home Health, working faithfully in the field she loved until just hours before entering the hospital.
Maritza was the undeniable “Life of the Family,” equal parts daddy’s girl and mama’s baby. She loved music that could rattle the windows and cars that could outrun the sunset. As an aunt, she perfected the fine art of spoiling, pouring love and laughter into every niece and nephew lucky enough to call her theirs.
She accepted Christ at an early age and remained a devoted member of New Birth Baptist Church.
On the afternoon of Monday, February 23, 2026, Maritza entered eternal rest.
She leaves to cherish her memory her mother and best friend, Clarissa Diana Franklin; sister, Kateesha Franklin; brother, Justin Franklin; nieces, Justice Flowers, Halee Franklin, and Ilaria Franklin; nephews, Julique (Kylie), Javon (Mandy), J.T., and Jared Franklin.
She was preceded in death by her father, Justice Lee Franklin; her beloved great grandparents, Roosevelt and Maggie Bell Dixon; grandmother, Dolores Dixon; and grandparents, Ira and Bobbie Lee Franklin.
Her care, her laughter, and her unstoppable spirit will echo in the hearts of all who knew her.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28th at Solid Rock Baptist Church with Bishop Samuel Evans officiating. Burial will be made in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Bright-Holland Funeral Home.
