Nancy Manar Franklin

Nancy Manar Franklin died on July 1, 2022. Franklin lived a life dedicated to her family and friends. She was a Navy wife for 28 years, sister, mother, and grandmother. She loved creating a home for her family, especially Quinn and J.E.B., spending time with her loved ones, teaching preschoolers, being creative, and seizing any opportunity to make memories. She also learned to love cheering on the University of Alabama due to her husband’s unwavering commitment and dedication to the Crimson Tide and Alabama being the alma mater of both her children.

Nancy Franklin was born on April 7, 1950, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and was the second born to Fred and “Red” Manar. She graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1968 and graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1972 with a degree in Education. She was an educator most of her life with a focus on early childhood and elementary education, but first and foremost she was a wife and mother.

Nancy Manar married Roland Michael "Mike" Franklin on July 21, 1973 after a brief courtship, much of which was spent in a long-distance relationship. They were married 47 years and spent their last anniversary together in 2020 in one of their favorite places, Destin, Florida. Together, they had two children and one granddaughter. They moved seven times throughout their Navy life and ultimately retired in Birmingham, Alabama.

With each move that they made with the Navy, she always created a home for the “Franklin 4” – a name she used to describe the family that she and Mike created together. Nancy and Mike had many adventures with the U.S. Navy and one led them to Naval Air Facility Atsugi (Atsugi, Japan) where Nancy shifted her focus from early childhood education and began working with students from the community on conversational English. Nancy enjoyed immersing herself within the community that surrounded her whether that be through her family, friends (new and old), students, traveling, or service to her church. She made long lasting connections with her students and their families and often was seen cheering them on throughout their life’s milestones. She had a subtle, competitive nature and while living in Japan, Quinn and J.E.B. both learned that their mom was a talented golfer. She was known for not only winning against their dad but also had the reputation for being quite the opponent.

Most recently, Nancy retired from teaching and returned to her family’s roots. You see, her father was an entrepreneur and owned Dollar Bros Shoe Store in Bowling Green. Following her retirement from education, Nancy worked in a local children’s shoe store and loved outfitting children in the very best including her granddaughter, Susanna Lane.

Nancy is survived by her son, J.E.B. Michael Franklin; daughter, Quinn Manar Franklin; granddaughter, Susanna Lane Franklin Fegen; sisters, Barbara Dell Mayhugh (Robert) and Jane Huey Ferguson (Scott); sister-in-law, Rhonda Franklin Harrison (John); plus many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Roland Michael Franklin; her father, Fred McCormick Manar, Jr.; and her mother, Maude Edith Huey Manar.

In support of her wishes, Nancy’s life will be celebrated privately. For those wishing to honor her life, please consider donating to:

ALS Association, AL Chapter

300 Cahaba Park Circle Suite 209

Birmingham, AL 35242

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Nancy Manar Franklin's memorial page at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for the Franklin family.