Mother Lorata Frazier Franklin, affectionately known as “Gold”, was born to Mary Frazier and Simp Johnson on Jan. 21, 1940, in Madison, Fla. She resided in this area her entire life. Preceding her in death were her parents; siblings: Sinclair Johnson, Simp Johnson, Jr., Porter Johnson, Richard Johnson, Caster Johnson and Sallie Mahogany; sisters-in-law: Ola Donaldson, Annie Ruth Mobley and Deloris Franklin; and brother-in-law, Mack Franklin.
Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, on the lawn of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, 185 SW Smith Street, in Madison. A public viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 in the chapel of J.P. Moore Mortuary, 379 W. Base St., in Madison, (850) 973-6677.
On June 25, 1970, Lorata and Ponce were united in holy matrimony. During their 51 years together, they had been very thankful to God for all their blessings, but the most precious were their daughter, grandchildren, and their great-granddaughter. Lorata really loved spending quality time with them, and she spoke fondly of them with her family and friends. Lorata was their #1 cheerleader who, during their early school years, also doubled in as their Uber driver, private tutor, event planner, or nanny whenever needed. As with most other loving grandmothers, Lorata also made sure that all their needs and most of their wants were met.
Lorata accepted Christ and was baptized through faith at an early age. She later joined Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, in Madison. She lived by faith in dedicating her life to be a servant leader who gave her best in time, talent, and gifts to God. She gave her time and used her talent the many years she served as the church clerk and in other needed positions. She used her gift of singing in the church choir to honor God. She loved singing the sweet songs of Zion for Sunday service and being a part of other special choirs formed by other organizations as well. She looked forward to celebrating the Yuletide season and singing in the Madison County Community Choir which presented the Annual Christmas Cantata.
Mother Lorata’s love for children was evident in her teaching career. She taught at Greenville Middle School, Madison Primary School, and Madison County Central School for more than 30 years. Her focus was to prepare her students to be successful throughout their school years and in life.
Her retirement from the Madison County School District in 2002, gave Lorata the opportunity to devote more of her time to help make a difference in the community. She cared about the well-being of others. For this reason, she joined many organizations, boards, and community activities, and served as officers, chairpersons, and/or committee members of the following: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sallie Mickens Chapter- Order of the Eastern Star, Coleman Household of Ruth #3897, Madison Planning and Zoning Board/Board of Adjustment, Madison County Chapter- Florida Retired Teachers Association, Madison County Wide Mission and the Madison County Community Christmas Cantata.
“The Lord said, “Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” On Monday, Sept. 28, 2021, Mother Lorata Frazier Franklin’s melodic voice was stilled as she peacefully entered eternal glory to sing in the heavenly choir and to live there forevermore.
May the work she has done, the life she lived, and the service she gave speak for her.
Sister Lorata leaves to cherish her life, legacy and love are her husband, Ponce Franklin, of Madison; daughter, Nicole Franklin, of Madison; grandchildren: Kierystan Johnson, Nicholas Johnson and Kennedy Franklin, all of Madison; great-granddaughter, McKennah Johnson, of Madison; brother, Louis Frazier, of Tampa; sisters: Mary (Edward) Palmer, of Tampa, Fla.; Ida Jones, of Wesley Chapel, Fla.; and Lorita Johnson, of Tampa; sisters-in-law: Margaret Franklin, Mary Lou Thomas and Agnes Franklin, all of Madison; brothers-in-law: Sammie Lee (Ann) Franklin and Marvin Franklin, all of Madison; Albert (Myrtle) Franklin and Robert Franklin, all of Tampa; and numerous other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Franklin family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. Moore Mortuary & Cremation Services, Madison, (850) 973-6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.