Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
St. Matthew 11:28-30
Pastor Samuel W. Franklin, 74, was a resident of Oak Harbor, Washington for 7 years. He was born April 22, 1929 in Memphis, Tenn. He departed this life Thursday, April 25, 2002 at his home in Oak Harbor. He was the son of the late Buster Franklin and Rosa Lee Cannon. There were seven children in this union. He was preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters, and a daughter, Gloria Jean Miles.
Pastor Franklin attended school at Mananssas High School in Memphis, Tenn.
He served in the United States Army, and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a professional carpenter and painter. Pastor Franklin left us a legacy never to be forgotten. While traveling throughout the country spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, he also trained and taught the poor and less fortunate carpenter skills. Not only was he building HUD home with these individuals, he was also building for the everlasting kingdom of God.
At a young age, Pastor Franklin gave his life to Christ. He served as a deacon at Mount Liberty Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio.
He received his calling to the ministry, was licensed, and ordained a minister of the gospel at Greater Temple Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio. He served as Pastor of Mount Sinai, Akron, Ohio, and Seed of Life, Federal Way. Pastor Franklin also ministered at several nursing homes in Tacoma, WA. In 1995, he was installed as pastor of New Life Missionary Baptist Church, Oak Harbor for 7 years.
He leaves his devoted and cherished wife of 42 years, Mrs. Mary A. Franklin. Three sons: Andrew (Cathy) Franklin, James (Christine) Franklin, and Kevin Ware. Five daughters: Theresa (Stephen) Johnson, Lucy (John) Wellington, Yvette Franklin, Karen Franklin, and Camille Franklin. Grandchildren: Ada Franklin, Ryann Johnson, BreeAnna Johnson, Cloretta Fran, Stephen Johnson, Jr., Courtney Rogers, Marcus Rogers, Angelo Allen, and Alexandria Miles. 14 great grandchildren, one aunt, Mary White, and a host of other relatives and friends also survive.
Funeral services for Pastor Franklin will be held Saturday, May 4, 2002, at 1 p.m., at Southern Baptist Church, 50 SW 6th Ave., Oak Harbor. Remembrances may be made to New Life Missionary Baptist Church or Friends of Home Health.
