Early Vernon Franklin

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Early Vernon Franklin was born in Moody, Texas on October 31,1927 to Mitchel Franklin and Texanna Ellison. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He greatly loved his family and is survived by his siblings Doris Jackson (Houston, TX) and Billie Franklin (Ft. Worth, TX). Other siblings preceded in death are: Ruthie May Hollie, Robert Franklin, Clarence Franklin, Howell “Shot” Franklin, Randell Franklin, Robert Echard, Claudia Mosely, Dennis Franklin, Joyce Franklin, Don Prince, Laura Andrepoint, Alma Prince, Walter Prince, Jr., and Charles Prince. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

On June 8, 1964, he married his beautiful bride Felicia Rubie Roberts of Opelousas, Louisiana. He loved his wife until the day she went home to be with the Lord on July 2, 2015. He was a gentle and loving father to Earlwin Franklin (deceased) and Octavia Franklin-White and stepfather to: John Richard Roberts (Patricia), Gladys Ann Stewart, Bertha Marie Vaughn (Glenn), Karl Edward Roberts (Priscilla), and Olivia Roberts.

His grandchildren include Joshua Carroll White, Jordan Carroll White, Glenn Wayne Vaughn, Jr., LeQuinta Roberts-Council, Ivan Jamail Vaughn, Christopher Nicholas Roberts, Kristan Vaughn, and Karl Edward Roberts Jr. He is also blessed with several great grandchildren.

Early served his country through military service in the United States Army from 1953-1956 with a ranking of Specialist Third Class and was Honorably Released from Active Duty. He was also honored in June 2002 by the City of Houston for serving during the Korean War. He then worked many years providing for his family in the trucking industry with Metal Goods Company in Houston, Texas transporting metals. His lengthy career ended with retirement October 1992. But not for long. He soon began working again retrieving and returning vehicles for a Houston car dealership. Through both his military service and civilian employment Early earned respect wherever he served. He was loved and respected by many. He demonstrated integrity, compassion, honesty, and love for mankind with everyone he met.

He believed in serving his community and was elected Alderman with the Brookshire Council in 1971 in Brookshire, Texas, where he and his wife Felicia lived for many years before moving to Houston, Texas. They both actively exercised their amendment rights in voting, campaigning, and supporting their elected officials to promoting change that benefits the community at-large.

This passion and spirit of serving comes from a yielded and surrendered heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. His relationship with the Lord Jesus shaped him into the humble, faithful, and loving man of God we know and celebrate today. He was a member of The Church of Christ in Highland Heights where he served in the brotherhood.

There were so many services you could find him at the altar before service, where he would lead the congregation in worship to God as he bowed down on one knee, singing “I need thee O, I need thee - every hour I need thee”. There were so many nights you could find him praying for his family, his church, and his community. And yes, there were even tears. But there was also laughter. His laugh and sheepish grin were absolutely contagious. So many tunes he would hum to himself while raking the leaves, wiping down all the vehicles by hand, mowing the lawn and barbecuing the heck out of beef brisket and ribs. So many loving memories of this blessed man.

Always positive and always gentle is how we will remember him. Yes, he loved the Lord, and he loved his family. Strong to the end. He fought a good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith. Take your rest, good and faithful servant.