Lena Belle Franklin

Mrs. Gene (Lena Belle) Franklin passed away peacefully in her home of sixty-two years in Potosi on October 21, 2009. The family will be receiving guests at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23. The funeral service will be held at Highway 36 Church of Christ located at 10576 Highway 36 S at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, with Charles Rudolph officiating. Interment will be in Potosi Cemetery. She was born Lena Belle Taylor on October 19, 1915 in Potosi just a mile from her current home. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in Potosi and went to Ft. Worth to attend Sellers Beauty College. Lena Belle married Leonard Eugene (Gene) Franklin on October 14, 1936 in Ft. Worth. After they married, they lived in San Angelo where they owned and operated a beauty shop and barber shop side by side. They purchased the current "homeplace" and returned to Potosi in 1947. They farmed and ranched and continued to work side by side for fifty years until Gene passed away in 1997. During those years they were among the founders of the Highway 36 Church of Christ and served the church in many capacities. Lena Belle was the last surviving founder of this church. Gene and Lena Belle were members of the Potosi Riding Club. Mounted on matching palomino horses, they carried the flags and rode in many parades in Abilene and surrounding communities. Lena Belle's lifelong goals were achieved in her service to the church and to her family. For those who were blessed to have known her, she will always be remembered for her strong spirit, independence, unconditional love and her love for the color yellow. Lena Belle touched many lives during her lifetime and she will be dearly missed. Lena Belle is survived by two sons, Ted Gene Franklin and wife Giny of Irving, Terry T. Franklin and wife Janet of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Donald Gene Franklin and wife Carnelle, James Daron Franklin, Lena Rene' Hibbard and husband Rob, Nicholas C. Franklin, Kaysha Arnold and husband Chadd, Cynie E. Williams, Dana Villareal and husband, Alex, and Stephanie Christine and husband, Blaine; eight great-grandchildren, Chelssi Franklin, Torin Franklin, Casey Farr, Darion Franklin, Jewel Franklin, Reese Rene' Hibbard, Cyd Williams and Creighton Williams; and three great-great-grandchildren, Aubrii, Maycii and Miiles. Lena Belle is also survived by three care givers that have become like family, Alisha Bonds, Amanda Miller and Nelda James. These women made it possible for her to remain in her home with exceptional care during the past five years of her life. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Highway 36 Church of Christ.