Martha Franklin

Martha Frances Stewart Franklin 83, passed away at home with her family by her side on Monday June 6, 2016. She was born in Gaston County on January 30, 1933, to the late William A. Stewart, Sr. and Virgie Ward Stewart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother William A. Stewart, Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ernest Keith Franklin; daughters, Alma Rhyne and husband Jeff, Sarah Lee Renner and husband Stan all of Dallas, Donna Kallam and husband Perry of Fate, Texas; grandchildren, Beth Rhyne Farmer and husband Tyler of Gastonia; Jacob Rhyne, Joseph Rhyne, Mary Renner all of Dallas; sisters-in-law, Sarah Stewart of Carthage, NC, Audrey Franklin of Bessemer City, Sue Hughes of Inverness, Florida; numerous nieces and nephews.

Frances was a member of Antioch Lutheran Church, where she was the church organist and choir director for 48 years. She was involved in various church activities including Women of the NALC, the Antioch Quilters, and the after school tutoring program for Costner School. Frances also served on the church cemetery committee for many years. She loved to travel, read, quilt and sew.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Antioch Lutheran Church in Dallas with Rev. George Rhyne officiating.

Interment will follow in the Antioch Garden of Peace.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Lutheran Garden of Peace, 330 Old NC 277 Loop Road, Dallas, NC 28034