Norma L. (Watson) Franklin, 76, of The Villages, Florida, and formerly of Olney, died peacefully at home on Thursday February 2, 2017.
Mrs. Franklin was born September 28, 1940, in Flora, daughter of Ollie M. (Chaffin) and Davis M. Watson. She married Jack D. Franklin on June 26, 1960, in Clay City. He survives.
Norma Franklin was a dedicated student and teacher with a lifelong passion for education. After graduating Southern Illinois University Carbondale, she taught elementary school in De Land and Rantoul. When her husband began his veterinary career in Carmi, Norma focused on raising their two sons and operating a daycare at their home. Career changes eventually brought the family to Olney, where Norma took classes at Olney Central College and taught yoga. She later earned a degree in nutrition from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, and became a registered dietician. She then taught nutrition at EIU for several years prior to retiring in Florida.
Norma is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jack D. Franklin, of The Villages, Fla.; son, Michael A. Franklin and wife Graciela, of Champaign; son, Matt R. Franklin and wife Christine, of Wooster, Ohio; sister, Nancy R. (Watson) Brown, of Flora; five grandchildren, Richard J.D. Franklin, Johnathon M. Franklin, and Kathryn M. Franklin, of Illiopolis, and Carter M. Franklin and Courtney C. Franklin, of Wooster, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and -nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Truman L. Brown, of Flora, and her pAren't s.
Norma L. (Watson) Franklin, 76, of The Villages, Florida, and formerly of Olney, died peacefully at home on Thursday February 2, 2017.
Mrs. Franklin was born September 28, 1940, in Flora, daughter of Ollie M. (Chaffin) and Davis M. Watson. She married Jack D. Franklin on June 26, 1960, in Clay City. He survives.
Norma Franklin was a dedicated student and teacher with a lifelong passion for education. After graduating Southern Illinois University Carbondale, she taught elementary school in De Land and Rantoul. When her husband began his veterinary career in Carmi, Norma focused on raising their two sons and operating a daycare at their home. Career changes eventually brought the family to Olney, where Norma took classes at Olney Central College and taught yoga. She later earned a degree in nutrition from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, and became a registered dietician. She then taught nutrition at EIU for several years prior to retiring in Florida.
Norma is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jack D. Franklin, of The Villages, Fla.; son, Michael A. Franklin and wife Graciela, of Champaign; son, Matt R. Franklin and wife Christine, of Wooster, Ohio; sister, Nancy R. (Watson) Brown, of Flora; five grandchildren, Richard J.D. Franklin, Johnathon M. Franklin, and Kathryn M. Franklin, of Illiopolis, and Carter M. Franklin and Courtney C. Franklin, of Wooster, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and -nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Truman L. Brown, of Flora, and her pAren't s.
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