Shirley Kivett Franklin

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 2:00pm, Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Celebration of Life Services will follow at 2:00pm.

For those who knew Shirley this statement will ring true: her life was exemplary. In every facet of life Shirley did her best to personify the values of dedication and love for others.

Shirley was a loyal employee of Goodwill Industries where she served as a bookkeeper and accountant for more than 30 years. Later she became the office manager for Reserve National Insurance where she retired in 2020.

A Christian wife and mother, Shirley raised her family to love and respect themselves and others. She was devoted to her beloved husband, Jim, for 67 years, and at their home, everyone was welcomed with open arms. No matter the circumstances, Shirley would help you get back on track in whatever way you needed, and she did so without judgement or regret. With Shirley, you knew that you always had a place to stay.

She relished having her family gather, particularly during the holidays, and she joyed in pulling it all together. Her family will long hold dear the memory of “The Wright Family Christmas” game which she lovingly prepared each year.

In her free time she enjoyed traveling and visited many places throughout the country while bowling with her league team. She also made it a point to travel to each family birthday party regardless of distance.

She was a faithful member of Pearson Baptist Church in Pearl and attended services regularly until her health would no longer allow her to do so.

By the way she led her life, Shirley set an example for all. How to enjoy the simple pleasures as well as the grand. How to be trustworthy and committed. How to love and be loved- perhaps her greatest legacy.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, James E. “Jim” Franklin, in 2021.

She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Haley; sons, Steve Franklin and wife Margie, and Gary Franklin and wife Dora; grandchildren, Kandice Fiello, Rachel Corban, Kristin Warrington, Brittany Wade, Paige Lowery, Jennifer Duhon, Ryan Moore, and Jeremy Moore; and 17 great-grandchildren.