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JoAnn Franklin (Holloway), was born January 18,1954 to James Lewis Franklin Jr. and Norma Lee Franklin (Burton), at John Wesley Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
She was the second eldest of thirteen brothers and sisters: James Lewis lll, JoAnn Franklin (Holloway), Priscilla Rae Franklin (Payne), Stephen Paul Franklin, Daniel Scott Franklin, Jonathan Edwards Franklin, Timothy Norman Franklin, Norma Lee Franklin, Rachel Andrea Franklin (Moore), and Peter Barnabas Franklin.
Known for her ease in frequent conversion with total strangers, some may be surprised to learn of her shyness in her youth. Yet even as a child, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. She had an indomitable positive attitude, unwavering patience, and handled tough situations very well.
Never venturing far from her family home in Los Angeles, she defined a life by sharing joy in Christ, and was a lifelong learner of the King James Version Bible. In between studying the Bible and becoming a prayer warrior, she volunteered at the church and kept busy providing care to her community as a certified nurse’s assistant. Everyone that knew her, has their own stories to tell as she was known for saying what she meant, and meaning what she said.
She loved her family and made it a point to share those feelings as much as possible. She also took a very active role in the lives of her grandchildren. Carrying on the legacy of her parents in the same roles.
It is with great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, that the Brooks family announces the passing of our kind, brave, caring, and unimaginably generous mother. JoAnn went to dance and sing with the Angels on the streets of heaven, the morning of April 6th, 2024, at her daughter, Shayla Franklin’s home in San Diego, California, after a valiant fight. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and love of family, carried her through 10 more months of shared memories. Even at the end, she found a way to smile and laugh.
She was preceded in death by: her Father, James Lewis Franklin Jr., Mother, Norma Lee Franklin, siblings: James Lewis lll, Priscilla Rae Franklin (Payne), Norma Lee Franklin, and Peter Barnabas Franklin, and her beautiful daughter Tashuana Nicole Johnson; who were all waiting for her at the door to heaven.
She is survived by her siblings: Stephen Franklin, Daniel Franklin, Jonathan Franklin, Timothy Franklin, Rachel Franklin (Moore) and their families, her grandchildren, (Tashuana’s children) Brandon Comingore, and Angelina Comingore. She is also survived by her children Damon Lamar Potter, his spouse Mary Potter, and two children, Alexis Potter (Herr), and Damon Potter Jr., her daughter, Shayla Re’on Franklin, her children Aiden Garcia, Kody Garcia, and Cali Garcia, and her youngest daughter Erica La’Shay Brooks, her husband Joseph Brooks, and their children Skylar Brooks, and Kameron Brooks. Her memory will live on through all of them, and her legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we control our attitudes and choose a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.
She loved the verse St. John 3:16, which will now be anchored to her meaning of life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes that in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
We’d like to share a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped honor her during her celebration of life, which will be held at 2pm MDT on Sunday, June 9th, 2024.
Virtual Celebration Of Life
Sunday, June 9, 2024
2:00pm Mountain Time
JoAnn’s family invites you to view the celebration of life service & reception to honor her life and legacy.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Mom. You are so loved and missed❤️
Mom,
I want you to know that I think about you everyday. I close my eyes often and picture your beautiful smile and heart, and you saying “Erica, bring your worries to the Lord and you’ll be just fine.” I’m heartbroken and will be for a long time as I’ve lost my best friend. I love you and miss you dearly. Kameron wanted me to tell you “Happy Christmas!” And Skylar wanted me to tell you that she loves you. We know you’re with Tashuana, Grandmother, and Grandfather looking down to us. We are looking up as well. Merry Christmas in heaven. You get the real Christmas and for that, we are happy.
Your daughter,
Erica
Hi mom, I miss you so much. I wanted to share this with you. We just planted a tree for you. Its called “Ann Magnolia” and its as beautiful as you are. The kids gave it the first watering. Skylar also made a song up and sang it hoping you could hear her. We miss you very much. We love you❤️.
Shalom Shalom Auntie,
I am sadden by your untimely demise, but most happy for the incessant peace that you have recently obtained. What I am rejoicing over the most, is that you have been reunited with your eldest child, Tashauna. Reunited and It Feels So Good! Please run into her majestic wings and allow her to envelop you completely. And while you are being embraced by your daughter, whisper these words in her ear. She hasn’t been forgotten and her family truly misses her too. To be honest, I almost envy you. I am of the mindset, that life is hard and death is easy. Life can be beautiful when we are surrounded by delightful people; looking back at all the memories that I have of you. You were a delightful person to be around. God molded you marvelously. Your ebony skin was smooth and stunning! Your laugh was contagious and you possessed a heart of gold. The general consensus is that you were an extremely valuable asset to the family and a rare gem. You will be missed! But your name shall live on. I love you Aunt JoAnn.
Sincerely, Ramon
Sister JoAnn: I remember my first time meeting you, and all your kids and grand kids, up on the hill about 7 years ago. You were such a warm presence. I noticed how excited everyone was just to be around you. You brought so much joy to their hearts. You and I chatted a while and I took notice of the amazing and strong woman that you were. That day left an imprint on my heart that I will never forget. May God welcome you into your new home in Heaven as you continue to watch over your children and grandchildren. Rest in sweet peace. 🙏🏽
Nicoline
Hello my beautiful Auntie!! you were the best person I ever met, and I can’t communicate the distress I feel at your abrupt demise. May God favour your spirit .You’ll always be missed.Auntie!! You’re with the Lord now…I will forever miss and love you🧡 ..We use to always talk on the phone, doing 3 way calling…You praying for me and singing..such a beautiful voice…You always showed me Love no matter what…You lived like a true Christian woman…You’re amazing!!!
Your niece Lele