Lillie Mae Franklin

Lillie Mae Franklin's Lasting Memory Lillie Mae (French) Franklin, 89, was called to her heavenly home on February 6, 2023, surrounded by family in her home on Baker Street. She was born on May 10, 1933, in Monroe, LA, to Roosevelt and Lushie (Spears) French. She was the second to the last baby daughter among seven siblings. Lille was affectionately known to her family as "Big Lil". She moved to Muskegon in 1955 with her husband, Willie Charles Franklin, with three of her oldest children (Ola Mae (Red Bone), John, and Willie). Life Well Lived Big Lil loved to fish, cook, clean, care for her grandkids, and take rides anywhere. Big Lil loved to ride beside Willie (Doug) on the side of him in their brown conversion van. Whenever you rode down Baker St., you would see Big Lil sitting in the driveway waving. She enjoyed her trips to California to visit her sister, eat French fries, and drink coffee from McDonald's Restaurant. Big Lil knew no strangers. She would communicate with anyone; she was always welcoming. Big Lil accepted Christ with her husband under the leadership of Reverend James E. Witcher. She loved her church, was a faithful New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church member, and enjoyed talking with Reverend Allen R. Bolton. Big Lil was a Mother Board member and refused to sit on the second row. She had her designated seat on the fifth row close to the aisleway. She would clap her hands as she enjoyed listening to the male chorus, the senior choir, and the pastor. Everlasting Love Big Lil is survived by nine children, including four daughters: Ola Mae French, Willie Pegues, Peggy (Ray) Franklin-Jackson, and Brenda Franklin, all of Muskegon, Ml; Five sons: Johnny Franklin of Benton Harbor, Ml, Jessie Franklin, James (Veronica) Franklin of Milwaukee, WI, Michael Franklin, and Doreco Franklin; Grandchildren: 38 grand; 114 great; 80 great-great; and 11 great-great-great grandchildren; and one great-great-great-great grandchild to be continued; Two sisters: Ernestine French of Grand Rapids, Ml, and Ola Belle Franklin of California. She leaves behind an extension of history and memories. Big Lil was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Charles Franklin (affectionately known as Doug), parents, three brothers, a sister, three grandchildren, and special daughter-n-law, Linda Franklin. Big Lil's laughter and smile will be missed. Visitation New Mt Zion Baptist Church 2117 Baker St Muskegon, MI 49444 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Service New Mt Zion Baptist Church 2117 Baker St Muskegon, MI 49444 12:00 PM