Arletha Joann (Manager) Franklin

With great sadness we announce Arletha Joann Franklin, Beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, our Angel, passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2019, in Riverside, at the tender age of 89, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on February 20, 1930 to Adana and Gleason, Manager Sr. in Van Buren, Arkansas, Arletha was their first born.

Known to her friends as Joann, she was well-liked and very popular in school. In her senior yearbook at Lincoln High School, her favorite quote was, “Where There Is a Will There Is a Way”. It was a phrase she used all her life. Another phrase we’d be tickled to hear her say when she thought something or someone really nice, “That is tough enough”.

Joann loved to talk to her children and grandchildren about any and every subject. She especially enjoyed sharing about her childhood. Even though she had to endure living through the Great Depression and lost the Father she adored at the tender age of 15, she often expressed how happy she was as a child. She was a sweet and passionate storyteller.

Being a mother was her most fulfilling experience in life. A consummate mother and homemaker, Joann was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her family. Her favorite sport was baseball and she often reminisced about her early years, gathered around the radio with her family, keeping score on the Dodgers. Watching television was a pastime she liked very much. Forensic science fascinated her, as did her all-time favorite sequel, The Godfather. In her youth and into her winter years, Joann appreciated a good-looking man. Our own father Julius Australia Franklin was proof of her great taste and her eye for the handsome. A natural flirt, her children got it honest.

Joann was a strong woman who endured much during her lifetime. She was truly a homebody and just enjoyed her own space. Bringing attention to herself just wasn’t her thing, so when her given name, Arletha “Franklin” was called out in public, she’d blush and carry on, because folks thought they were hearing Aretha Franklin.

She had an unwavering faith in the Lord, and she loved reading the bible. One of her favorite passages was from the Book of Ecclesiastics 3:1-8; “To Everything There Is a Season…”

Joann is survived by her children, Roger Franklin (Roycie), AL; Barbara Miller (Ronald), LA; Stanley Franklin, KS; Michael Franklin, Cynthia Russell (Kevin) and Veronica King (Norvell), CA. She is also survived by her brother Roy Gene Manager, sisters, Linda Flake and Mary Ann Barnes, 16 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, and many, many loving relatives and close friends.

She is predeceased by her parents, Adana and Gleason Manager Sr. sisters, Sue Carol, Dorothy, and Gladys Manager, brothers Gleason Jr., Robert, Raymond, and William Manager, and her precious, first-born son, Ronnie Franklin.

To Shanika Gilmore, beloved granddaughter, thank you for the many years of immeasurable care and companionship you bestowed her. To her daughters, Cynthia and Veronica, your siblings are forever grateful for the selfless love, the endless hours and amazing care you gave to our mother during her last days. To her eldest daughter Barbara, for coming home often to comfort, support, and assist in any way she could. Special thanks to our spouses Kevin, Norvell and Ronald for their loyal support. To all her darling grandchildren who loved her so very much, thank you for making her feel cherished.

The family extends to everyone who assisted in caring for our mother our utmost gratitude. To all those who telephoned, visited, supported and encouraged us, Thank You. We love you Mama, Rest in Peace.