Anna Marie Franklin

Anna Marie Franklin was born January 8, 1948 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the oldest child of Alex Vann Sr. and Ella Mae (Blackbird) Vann. She grew up in the home alongside her two sisters, Linda and Sherry and one brother Alex Jr. Anna was raised with love, laughter, and an unwavering connection to her family in the Rocky Ford and Tahlequah areas.

Anna attended elementary school in Tahlequah, OK, before relocating to California where she graduated from Palmdale High School, Class of 1966. After graduation, she moved back to Oklahoma and enrolled in Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee, where she obtained an associate’s degree in Commercial Art.

Anna’s dedication to serving others included several years working as an administrative assistant for Sequoyah High School’s superintendent where she met her future husband, Don Franklin. Two years later, the couple exchanged marriage vows at the Tahlequah Church of the Nazarene on August 6, 1988. Soon after, the couple scurried off to spend their honeymoon on the Western slopes of Colorado. They were married for 36 years.

Anna was proud of her Cherokee heritage, and valued time spent with her family. She was the proud mother of THE ONE AND ONLY Dakie Lewis Reeder. Anna cherished every moment spent with her daughter, and the two had a bond that was unbreakable. Later she enjoyed time spent with her grandsons while babysitting and helping to raise them.

To better advance in her career, Anna continued her education and studied secretarial administration at Northeastern State University. Her caring and loving nature shined bright with colleagues and friends alike.

She was active in the community as a member of several Cherokee and women organizations throughout her lifetime including ABWA, NAIWA and Women’s Ministries at the Tahlequah Church of the Nazarene. Anna had many leadership qualities, and was dedicated to those activities she was involved in.

In her leisure time, Anna enjoyed crocheting, beading, painting, shopping at Hobby Lobby, watching sci-fi, and old black & white television shows. She was knowledgeable on old movie classics. Anna was very affectionate towards her numerous cats, and loved cuddling and spoiling her babies.

Anna was a kidney transplant patient and enjoyed an added twelve and a half years with her family and friends due to the generosity of her unknown donor. Her and her family appreciate her doctors, nurses and other employees who improved and extended her life.

Anna left this earthly realm on September 28, 2024, surrounded by those who loved her most. Anna went to her heavenly home to the open arms of loved ones who passed before her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and creativity that will not soon be forgotten. She taught everyone about unconditional love and being the pinnacle foundation of the family.

She is home now with her parents, Alex Sr., Ella Mae (Blackbird) Vann, step parent M.A. Proctor, brother Alex Vann Jr., and grandson Alexander Reeder.

Those left to carry on her legacy include her husband Don Franklin of the home, daughter Dakie Lewis Reeder of Tahlequah, OK, sisters Linda Vann and Sherry Parks of Tahlequah, OK, grandsons Brandon Reeder of Tahlequah, OK and Matthew Reeder of Claremore, OK, uncle Joe Cummings of Tahlequah, OK, nephews Zach Vann and Seth Vann of Tahlequah, OK, Jonathan Kilgore and wife Rachel of Norman, OK, Evian Parks of Kansas, niece Callie (Vann) Crow and husband Zach of Hulbert, OK, great nephews Will Crow of Hulbert, OK, Xavier and Sebastian Kilgore of Norman, OK, and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The family appreciates all the prayers and support friends, family and loved ones have provided through the years, especially the last few. They would like to send a special thank you to the employees of Traditions Home Health and Traditions Hospice for their loving care.

Continue in celebration of Anna at a Graveside Service on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Greenleaf Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Zach Vann, Seth Vann, Matthew Reeder (Honorary), Brandon Reeder, Jonathan Kilgore, Evian Parks (Honorary), Troy Farmer, Rick Farmer and Gerald Wofford.