Hazel Harding Franklin

Mrs. Hazel Harding Franklin, age 95, transitioned peacefully from her earthly home to glory on Thursday, July 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 23, 1931, to the late Henry and Ollie Harding, Hazel brought immeasurable joy to the lives of her family and to everyone blessed to know her.

Family and friends are invited to attend evening Visitation Service on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Jones Funeral Home Chapel, 230 S. Hollywood Rd., Houma, LA 70360 from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Visitation will resume from 9:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Howard Third Zion, Travelers Baptist Church, 363 Bayou Dularge Rd., Houma, LA 70363. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM. Finally, Mrs. Hazel will be interred at her beloved New St. Luke Baptist Church, 1098 Bayou Dularge Baptist Church, Houma, LA 70363.

Hazel accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Brown at St. Luke Baptist Church of Dularge, LA. She served faithfully on the Usher Board for many decades, remaining committed to her duties until her health no longer allowed. A true example of a devoted servant, Hazel very seldom missed a Sunday service. Her favorite scripture, “Trust in the Lord,” from Proverbs, guided her life and anchored her faith. She lived in a constant posture of prayer, and because of that, her family finds comfort in knowing she faced her transition without fear.

Hazel was united in holy matrimony to the late Daniel Franklin. Their union was blessed with eight beautiful children. Hazel’s heart overflowed with care, compassion, and love—both for her family and for the many friends she embraced as her own. She cherished her church family deeply, especially her pastor, and held St. Luke Baptist Church in a special place within her heart.

Her passions were simple yet profound: gardening, cooking, and tending to her home. No one entered her doors without being offered something to eat or drink. She loved her plants, enjoyed working outdoors, and occasionally took on home remodeling projects just for the joy of improving her space.

Hazel truly loved her family, and her family loved her deeply in return. Mourning her death but forever changed by her life are her children: Floyd (Judy) Franklin, Herbert Franklin, Henry Hranklin, Ollie F. Johnson, Susie F. (Freddie) Lyons, Barbara Franklin, Patricia F. (Warren) Payne, and Loretta F. (Charleston, Sr.) Rainey; her only twin brother; Hayward Harding She was blessed with a legacy of 21 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. She was also the loving Godmother of Audrey Simmons.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Franklin; parents, Henry and Ollie Harding; her siblings, Edward Harding (Ida), Freddie Harding (Vern), Alberta Howard (Landon), Alvin Harding (Clara), Earl Harding (Al Josie), Helen Lyons (Henry), twin sister -Velma Ellis (James), Alma Harding, Leola Harding, and Henry Harding Jr.; and one son-in-law, Craig Johnson, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Edward and Rosie Franklin Sr.; brother-in-law

Edward Franklin Jr.; sisters-in-law Ivory Franklin King and Ora Lee Harding; and grandchildren Deveron Franklin, Herbert Lee Diggs, and Ona Franklin.

Let us all find comfort in knowing that our precious mother, family member, and beloved friend is now taking her rest. All is well.