Gwendolyn Rosetta Franklin

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Gwendolyn Rosetta Franklin, a loving mother and remarkable woman, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. She was 92 years old. She was born at home in Atlantic City , New Jersey on March 8, 1933 to her Barbadian parents William Alexander Harewood and Edna Greenidge Harewood. She was the 6th of their seven children.

Gwen grew up in Atlantic City, attending the public schools. After graduating from Atlantic City High School, she moved to Washington, DC to attend Howard University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. There she majored in secondary education, pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and supported the football team as a cheerleader. She also met her future husband, John Franklin, while a college student. They married in 1955 and later divorced.

After graduation, Gwen remained in the Washington, DC area. Her passion for education led her to teaching high school students. She later delved into educational administrative roles at the National Education Association (NEA) and as program director for the Boys and Girls Club of America. She resumed teaching, however, this time at the collegiate level at Delaware State College. In later years she became the program director for the Girl Scouts of America corporation.

Gwen was a devoted mother to her three children and instilled in them the importance of education, achieving your goals and holding fast to your faith in God. She was active in her church and her community in a variety of ways. Her love for the Lord was fostered as a lifelong Episcopalian who grew up in St Augustine’s church (AC) and lent her talents to serving on the Vestry (including Sr Warden and Treasurer at both Calvary church (DC) and then Church of the Ascension (AC) once she moved back to her hometown in retirement. Later she resumed attendance to St Augustine’s for worship and fellowship. When in LA, she attended Holy Faith Episcopal church. She was also a member of the Daughters of the King.

Gwen's volunteer work included contributing to the campaigns for former President Jimmy Carter and for the senatorial campaign of Ted Kennedy. A testament to her belief in political engagement and societal change. She also volunteered at local polls for many years, during both local, state and national elections. Gwen's commitment to civic duty remained strong throughout her life. Her legacy is truly inspiring.

Her community engagement was vast. It included her volunteer work with the Atlantic City Children’s Cultural Center and her membership in many social or civic clubs: Golden Circle, Pokeno Group, Birthday Club, and Club Q.

She was known for her great cooking, her love of gardening, and her exemplary seamstress abilities. She was often commissioned by family and friends for wedding dresses, cotillion dresses, and much more. Gwen had quite the green thumb and culinary flair, especially making her mother’s recipe for coconut bread.

Gwendolyn touched the hearts of so many with her humor and wit, her willingness to advise and comfort, and her down-to-earth demeanor. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter Janet Franklin, MD, son Stephen Franklin Ed.D, daughter Michelle Franklin, and grandson Stevie T. Franklin. She will also be greatly missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren as well as a host of friends who shall remember her fondly.

A visitation for Gwendolyn will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, 260 N Locust St, Inglewood, CA 90301. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 260 N Locust St, Inglewood, CA 90301. A burial will occur at Atlantic City Cemetery, Pleasantville, NJ.