Delene Franklin

Mrs. Delene Franklin, 81, of Drexel, was sent to her eternal home on April 22, 2025, following a period of declining health. She was born May 13, 1943, to the late Ralph Ezell and Eva Seagle Franklin.

Mrs. Franklin married the love of her life, Troyal Dell Franklin, over 60 years ago and had spent these years with him side by side and surrounded by their family.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Dolly Ann Franklin Lambert, Dianne Franklin, Billy Ray Franklin Sr., Lee Roy Franklin, and Judy Lee Franklin Lail; and her daughter-in-law, Diane Pamela Franklin.

Delene was a graduate of Western Carolina University and was previously employed at Hickory Hill in Valdese as an engineer prior to her retirement. She was a member at Drexel First Church of God and always loved going to her Sunday school class when her health allowed to attend.

Delene was a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a friend to many and will always be remembered for her love of her family and her roses. Even on her bad days, she would always light up to talk about her grandchildren or give you a tour of her flower gardens. She would always tell her friends, or sometimes anyone she would see, about things that her grandchildren were involved in, how proud of them she was, or how much she loved her family.

Delene is survived by her husband, Troyal “Dell” Franklin; daughter, Joann Franklin Miller (Freeman); sons, Andy Franklin and Teddy Franklin (Maria); grandchildren, Heather Causby (Doug), Carrie Miller (Dan), Tim Franklin (Lauren), Jamie Franklin (Brittany), Teddy Franklin, and Kim Hensley (Jeremy); great-grandchildren, Emma Osborne (Nick), Hope Bradshaw, Addison Causby, Charlotte Franklin, and Henry Franklin, who will arrive in August; a sister, Sherry Greene; a sister-in-law, Vanessa Henley; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Burke Memorial Park in Morganton with the Rev. Ronnie LeFevers officiating.

Heritage Funeral Service is assisting the family.