Mother Vadie W. Franklin

Ms. Vadie W. Franklin was born on October 28, 1931, in Maury County, Tennessee. She was the 10th child of 14 born to Thomas and Flordie Wyatt, who taught her about God, love of family, and community service. She accepted Christ at an early age. She maintained a strong bond with her siblings that lasted a lifetime. Her parents and all of her siblings preceded her in death: Mignon, Thomas, Eura, Ann, James, Laura, J. A. Farnell, William E., Darlena, Jackson,

Willie, Rosethel "Rose", and McConico "Connie".

Vadie was truly a life-long learner. After graduating from Carver Smith High School in 1950, she worked her way through college as a maid, often sending money back to her family. She obtained the following degrees: B.S. Home Economics (Tennessee A & I "TSU"), Master of Education - Special Education (Wayne State University), Advanced Graduate Studies "+45" (MTSU), and Master of Education - Counseling (Trevecca College).

She was a master tailor, artist, nutritionist, and loved math. She taught special education for two years in Detroit and the remainder of her career in Spring Hill, TN, retiring in 1997. She received special awards, such as "Teacher of the Month", but was most proud of her students' achievements.

Vadie married William Franklin in Detroit, MI. To this union, Eleanor, Myra, and Nathan were born. She remained devoted to William until his death. Teaching her children Godly morals and values, she supported them throughout their educational endeavors and enjoyed their career successes.

Vadie was a quiet, down-to-earth, disciplinarian who loved nature and the outdoors. She was kind-hearted towards others but never wanted attention for herself. She was a confidant, coach, mentor, and guide to her entire family, and affectionately known as "Mother" by so many others. She enjoyed domestic and international travel with her family.

Growing up, Vadie was a member of Theta Baptist and Gravel Hill Baptist churches and later joined the following churches as an adult: Greater Love Tabernacle (Detroit), Cane Tabernacle (Columbia), and Born Again Church (Nashville). For decades, she traveled two hours round trip to Born Again, where she remained a devoted member for more than 45 years.

Countless souls were blessed as a result of her dedication and obedience to God. She served her churches and communities in many capacities (choir, Sunday school teacher, speaker, trustee, Teacher's Council, Mothers' Board, Pastoral Council Emeritus, prayer warrior) and provided prophetic insight, wisdom, and guidance to the church as she was led. Her contributions to the maintenance and recordkeeping of Gravel Hill Cemetery were recognized in the book “Gone but Not Forgotten African American Cemeteries and 1908-1930 Death Records of Maury County, Tennessee”.

Above all, Vadie treasured her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. She loved music and would often sing and play songs to God. She was a student of the Bible…a hearer and doer of the Word. She quickly asked for forgiveness and was always ready to tell you something about God. Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:6 - "In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths". She was an inspiration to know and touched the lives of many; she will be sadly missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory: children Eleanor James (Lawrence), Myra Ridley, (Trent), Nathan Franklin, grandchildren Trent Ridley II, Lauren James, Meagan, Ridley, Christopher James, Evan James, great grandchild David Ridley, brother-in-law, James Franklin (Elizabeth), and a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends.