Obituaries

Johnnie Mae Franklin was born June 10, 1938, in Thomasville, Georgia to Annie Mae James and Lucious Coleman.  She was raised by her mother’s brother; G.L. James “Uncle Buddy” and his wife; Susie Revels.  She transitioned from this earthly life to her heavenly reward August 2, 2024 at Crestpark of Helena, Helena Arkansas.

Johnnie attended Spring Hill Elementary School and graduated from Douglass High School in 1955.  She joined the Spring Hill Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of the late Reverend J.J. Strickland.

She met and married the late Melwatt Morehead, Sr. in 1956 and to this union six children were born.  Shortly after they moved to California with their young family, she became a member of New Bethel Baptist Church of Venice, California under the late Reverend Luther McGraw.

Johnnie was employed with Bank of America and Southern California Edison as a Customer Service Representative.  In the mid 80’s she lived in St. Petersburg, Florida where she worked for the Home Shopping Network.  Johnnie returned to California where she met and married the late Jimmie Ray Franklin in 2008 and later relocated to Helena, Arkansas.  She became an active member of Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Danny Robinson, where she was affectionately known as “Mother Franklin.”  She served as the president of the Sisterhood, which brought her much joy.

Johnnie is preceded in death by her parents; Annie Mae James and Lucious Coleman, her beloved husband; Jimmie Ray Franklin, a daughter; Felecia Michelle Morehead, a stepdaughter; Patricia Ann Hunter, and a son; Melwatt Morehead, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter; Sabrena Wade, three sons; Anthony (Willie Jean), Kevin (Pamela), Rodney Morehead, two sisters; Julia White of Florida, Irene Monroe of California, a bonus sister; Marie Lewis of California, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.