Juanita Franklin

Juanita Franklin passed on November 16, 2022 in Mt. Belvieu, Texas at the age of 96. She lived a long life but at the end she said she was ready to go to Heaven. Now she’s there! Juanita will be missed by all that loved her but her memories will always be with us.

She was born in Sidney, Texas on September 22, 1926 to Thomas Cullum Summers and Malissa Gressett Summers on a peanut farm. During her high school days she played basketball for her school.

She cooked and baked the most delicious food and desserts. She was known for her okra gumbo, homemade rolls and her family favorite was her famous fried chicken. She never put a meal on the table without a dessert and was known for her pies and cakes.

Juanita had many jobs, as they helped support her family. She ironed clothes for friends and neighbors for fifty cents a dozen. She was a seamstress and made clothes for her family. Later in life she transitioned to a career in retail which included jobs at Gray Pharmacy, Woolco and JC Penny where she retired at the age of 80.

Her leisure time was spent taking trips and traveling. Family camping trips, road trips and cruises with her sisters were some of her favorite times.

Juanita lived most of her life in Baytown, Texas and attended Living Hope and Trinity Assembly of God.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Joe Caruso and Howard Franklin, son Rickey Caruso, and siblings Wilson Summers, Junior Summers, Rodney Summers, Francis Flippo, Betty Albright, and Nelda Larson. She is survived by her daughters Kay and Juanell Caruso, daughter in law Sandra Caruso, 7 grandchildren Brian Paulk, Tonya Luman, Jason Caruso, Tiffany Hofbauer, Chad Caruso, Shannon Brinkman, and Theresa Gooras, 25 great-grandchildren and a brother Royce Summers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Franklin family may be shared at www.earthmanbaytown.com