RUTH MARGARET FRANKLIN

Ruth Margaret Franklin, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, was born on April 5, 1940, in
Portsmouth, Virginia, to the loving union of Sylvester and Ruth Smith. Ruth was the second child of her
family and was preceded in death by her brother, Leon Smith, Sr.
As a young girl, Ruth was baptized and developed a deep love for the Lord. For many years, she joyfully
fellowshipped with the congregation at Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. Her passion for
caring and serving others began in her youth, when she volunteered at the local hospital as a candy
striper, setting the foundation for a lifetime of compassion and service.
In 1956, Ruth met the love of her life, Leonist Franklin, and their hearts united in marriage two years
later, in 1958. To this union, they were the proud parents of Javonda Franklin and Leonist Franklin Jr. As
a devoted military wife, Ruth journeyed across the globe, making cherished homes in Jacksonville,
Florida; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Yokosuka, Japan, before finally settling in San Diego, California.
While residing in Yokosuka in 1970 and San Diego in 1976, Ruth worked as the Ladies Department
Supervisor at the Navy Exchange. In the late 1980s, Ruth joined the Neighborhood House Association as
a devoted educator, bringing warmth and dedication to her role as a teacher. Beloved by both children
and their families, she brought warmth, care, and joy into the classroom. Ruth had a special way of
nurturing young hearts—ensuring they were well-fed, creating cherished holiday traditions, and going
above and beyond to provide opportunities and experiences they might never have otherwise known.
In retirement, she embraced life with creativity and grace, relishing moments with her family, sewing,
cooking, shopping, and becoming well known as an avid collector of treasured cookbooks.
Ruth’s life was a testament to her deep love for God and her unwavering devotion to family. She was a
beloved relative and a true friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. Ruth
faithfully nurtured and guided not only one generation of Franklin’s but three, ensuring her family’s
foundation was built on love, care, and resilience. She was graciously old-fashioned and deeply
traditional, always prioritizing the teaching and preservation of cherished family traditions.
Ruth Margaret Franklin was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 7, 2025,
surrounded by the loving presence and comfort of her family and home in San Diego, California. She was
preceded in death by several beloved family members, including her son, Leonist Frankin Jr. Ruth leaves
to cherish her memory her husband of 67 years, Leonist Franklin; a daughter, Javonda Franklin of San
Diego, her granddaughter Jessica Franklin (Weldon Cook Jr.) of San Diego, CA, and her great-
grandchildren SirMelvin F Johnson and Harper Cook of San Diego, CA; and a host of family and friends
who will forever hold her in their hearts.

If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile....

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