Helen A. Franklin

Helen Anderson Franklin (a/k/a Hunka Whitson), beloved wife of the late Arlis “Dick” Franklin, passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2022, at the age of 94. “A life well lived” is but one way to describe Helen Franklin, daughter of the late Col. Clinton Anthony Anderson and Helen Britton Pope Anderson and sister of the late Clinton Anthony Anderson, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Martha “Dickie” Dufour (Dennis), Patricia Franklin, and John Franklin (Donna); her grandchildren, Darren Dufour (Maureen), Renee Long (Jason), Chris Franklin (Amy), Jeff Franklin (Sarah), Greg Franklin (Amrita), and Brad Franklin (Bethany); and her great grandchildren, Daniel Dufour, Lily Dufour, Mason Tusa, Blaine Tusa, Lucy Franklin, Henry Franklin, Charlotte Franklin, Noah Franklin, and Liam Franklin.

Helen was born in Atlanta, Georgia and her father was an officer in the United States Army moving the family from Atlanta to Chicago to San Juan, Puerto Rico and beyond. She met the love her life at the University of Alabama and remained a die-hard Crimson Tide fan for the remainder of her life. After moving to New Orleans in the late 1950’s, she grew to love the New Orleans Saints almost as much as she loved the University of Alabama. She was an avid fan of crossword puzzles and was a proud and adoring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was no stranger to traveling, which is one passion shared by her and her devoted husband, Dick Franklin, who, after 52 years of marriage, passed away nearly 24 years ago. Helen remained strong after his death, finding comfort in her family and friends. She had an infinite number of stories, and always made sure she had all the details right.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Mary Berry, Barbara Eugene, and Anthony “Tony” Liebel, who were always there for her for many years. Additionally, the family is deeply indebted to Erin, Rose, Maria, Leonard, and Chaplin Walter of Lakeside Hospice, as well as the Sister Servants of Mary, all of whom helped her have a peaceful transition into the next world.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the Sister Servants of Mary of New Orleans.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 beginning at 10:00 a.m. to be followed by a Celebration of Life in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie beginning at 1:00 p.m., and concluding with the interment in Metairie Cemetery.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com