Alicia Jeanette Petty

Alicia Jeanette Franklin was born on July 30, 1963. Brooklyn, New York. She was the middle child of five children; two older brothers and two younger brothers; born to the late Antonio Robert Franklin, Sr. and Ruby Alicia Francis-Franklin.

Alicia departed this world suddenly on December 14, 2021. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York and attended the New York City Public Schools; P.S. 129, Junior High School 275, Thomas Jefferson High School, and graduated from the College of New Rochelle.

Alicia was employed by Paine Weber, New Jersey for many years. She was instrumental in securing many jobs for many people. She drove buses for Stafford County Public Schools and later became employed with the government for 14 years from 2006 until the day of her death; Dec 14, 2021.

Alicia was quite artistic. She excelled in African and Modern Dance with Alvin Ailey Dance Ensemble. Dance was her life. Alicia was always working in the community displaying her talents at drawing, organizing events and creating beautiful things with her hands. Her signature art work of butter flies and pineapples could be found in many businesses in New Your, such as Con Edison, Brooklyn Union Gas and Libraries. Alicia has coordinated weddings, showers, birthdays and family reunion events. In addition, to these venues, she was creative in designing hair styles and hair braiding for many people. Alicia was great as a cheer leader. Alicia loved God’s creations, but was terribly frightened of insects. On a humorous note; beware if an insect crawled or flew on her. But on a serious note – she truly needed a bumper sticker which read, “I brake for all animals.”

Alicia met and married Gary Jay Petty, Sr. on August 18, 1983. To this union three sons were born: Gary Jay Petty Jr., Robert Jarret Petty and Anthony James Petty. Alicia loved her children and was a doting mother. They shared many things together; sports enthusiasts, arts and travel. Alicia loved life, many might say her life was short lived, but no, she has fulfilled her purpose in life. She loved spending time with family and friends; hosted many parties, events, cook outs and many other venues.

Aside from family and friends, she had another great love; her pet Goldie. Goldie was three days old when she became her beloved pet and lived with her for thirteen years. In October 2021, Goldie preceded Alicia in death.

Alicia received Christ at an early age. She attended many churches and chose Sacred Heart Church of Faith, Inc. in Brooklyn, New York as her home church. She later relocated to Stafford, Virginia. In 2005 she fellowshipped with several churches and later selected Touch Hearts Christian Center where she served in several positions for 12 years until the Lord called home.

In 1988, Alicia joined the Order of Eastern Star. She was a member of St. Catherine Chapter #758, Zebelum Grand Chapter under the jurisdiction of the National Grand Chapter. In 1994 after some transition, Alicia remained a member of St. Catherine Chapter #758 Zion Grand Chapter under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Grand Chapter of America. Alicia held several positions in the organization with the Youth Department and was honored as an Honorary Worthy Matron. She loved the organization and loved the members (sister/brothers) in the organization.

Alicia leaves to mourn her husband, Gary Jay Petty, Sr.; her children, Gary Jay. Petty Jr. (Stephanie), Robert Jarrett Petty and Anthony James Petty; her grandchildren, Joshua Abernathy, Nasir Jay Williams, Kyree Williams, Kourtney Williams and Ayanna Petty; her mother, Ruby A. Franklin-Reed; her siblings, Antonio R. Franklin (Karron), Darryl O. Franklin (James Richard), Tyrone E. Franklin, and Thomas H. Franklin (Natalie); her aunts, Gwendolyn Dunn, Deborah Mitchell, Constance Sumter; her uncle, James E. Nelson; her godmother, Valerie Tinsley-Ekeocha; her godfather, Sandy Davis (Janet); her god-Sister’s, Cynthia Williams (Willie), Gabrielle English, and Brenda Jackson.

She will also be greatly missed by her brother-in-law, Justin Petty (Duncan); her spiritual daughter, Jennifer Williams; her stepbrothers, Grover Reed, Jr. (Michelle), Wilbert Reed, Eberton Reed; her stepsisters, Celestine Wesley, Alvina Merritt (Kortwright), Amanda Reed, Vania Reed, Vanessa Reed; her spiritual brothers, Clint Moody, Adrian K. Willis (Samantha), Sherman Bailey and Christopher Baxter; her spiritual sisters, Triselle Foster (Cornell), Sabrina Nelson, Sharnette Kerr (Andre), Jacqualine Quick, Myrtle Lightfoot (Richard), Samantha Willis (Adrian), Nicole Branker Brown, Valinda Perry (Marvelle), and Connice Wilson; her cousin-sisters, Tujuana Sanon, Veronica Thomas, Monica Kone (Moussa), Angela Nelson, Kimberly Nelson and Jackie Lawrence; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

“Sleep On, Our Dear Love One, We All Love You, But God Loves you Best”

The Family