Mary Lois Franklin

Mary Lois Leonard was born in Vancouver, Canada to the late Ruby Lee Fair and William Leonard Sr. She and her siblings were separated for a time before they laid their roots in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her education in the Philadelphia school system after which she became a warehouse worker for American Plastics, where she would work for 30 years. Mary loved her family and spending time with them. Mary was very hardworking and outgoing she would always be on the move. She met Blease Franklin Sr. And they were married June 7,1987.

                Mary was all about her family. She would always tell stories of her young life and how she once brought a baby bear home. Mary was very loving and kind. She always had her door open for her family. If there was no space, she made room for you and made sure you were warm and fed. If you wanted to know something, she’d give the answers good or bad. Mary was never judgmental, and she accepted you as you are. Mary was an excellent cook. Every holiday we could not wait until the food got done, especially if we knew Mary was cooking.

                Mary was a fun free spirit. She would tell you a joke but, never a lie. She was home for a lot of people, and it was great to know that she had your back. She fought hard for the things she believed in and would dare you to try to change her mind. No matter the circumstances Mary always stood her ground. She raised us all in some kind of way and there is no denying Mary earned her spot in all our hearts. It’s in our hearts where we will continue to carry her and the life lessons she has taught us.

To cherish her memories Mary leaves her husband Blease Franklin Sr., three daughters Shakitra, Sadata, Temple, One son Blease Franklin III, five granddaughters Tyshay, Azariya, Paige, Savannah, Patience, five grandsons Jimere, Tyshan, Shamon, Alvere, Humza, and one great granddaughter Alora, one great grandson Legend two sisters Shirley and Sandy, two brothers Otto and Bernard, a special friend Donald Opher, a host of nieces, nephews and friends.  Those who preceded her in death sisters Blora, Wendy, Emma, brothers William Jr., Larry