"This is my story; this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long!"

Mother Lorata Frazier Franklin, affectionately known as "Gold", was born to Mary Frazier and Simp Johnson on January 21, 1940, in Madison, Florida. She resided in this area her entire life. Preceding her in death were her parents; siblings: Sinclair Johnson, Simp Johnson, Jr., Porter Johnson, Richard Johnson, Caster Johnson, and Sallie Mahogany; sisters-in-law: Ola Donaldson, Annie Ruth Mobley, Deloris Franklin; and brothers-in-law: Mack Franklin and Jack Franklin.

On June 25, 1970, Lorata and Ponce were united in holy matrimony. During their 51 years together, they had been very thankful to God for all their blessings, but the most precious were their daughter, grandchildren, and their great-granddaughter. Lorata really loved spending quality time with them, and she spoke fondly of them with her family and friends. Lorata was their #1 cheerleader who, during their early school years, also doubled in as their Uber driver, private tutor, event planner, or nanny whenever she was needed. As with most other loving grandmothers, Lorata also made sure that all their needs and most of their wants were met.

Lorata accepted Christ and was baptized through faith at an early age. She later joined Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, FL. She lived by faith in dedicating her life to be a servant leader who gave her best in time, talent, and gifts to God. She gave her time and used her talent the many years she served as the church clerk and in other needed positions. She used her gift of singing in the church choir to honor God. She loved singing the sweet songs of Zion for Sunday service and being a part of other special choirs formed by other organizations as well. She looked forward to celebrating the Yuletide season and singing in the Madison County Community Choir which presented the Annual Christmas Cantata.

Mother Lorata's love for children was evident in her teaching career. She taught at Greenville Middle School, Madison Primary School, and Madison County Central School for more than 30 years. Her focus was to prepare her students to be successful throughout their school years and in life.

Her retirement from the Madison County School District in 2002, gave Lorata the opportunity to devote more of her time to help make a difference in the community. She cared about the well-being of others. For this reason, she joined many organizations, boards, and community activities, and served as officers, chairpersons, and/or committee members of the following: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sallie Mickens Chapter- Order of the Eastern Star, Coleman Household of Ruth #3897, Madison Planning and Zoning Board/ Board of Adjustment, Madison County Chapter- Florida Retired Teachers Association, Madison County Wide Mission, and the Madison County Community Christmas Cantata.

"The Lord said.... Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things.... enter thou into the joy of the Lord." On Monday, September 28, 2021, Mother Lorata Frazier Franklin's melodic voice was stilled as she peacefully entered eternal glory to sing in the heavenly choir and to live there forevermore.

May the works she has done, the life she has lived, and the service she has given speak for her. Mother Lorata leaves to cherish her life, legacy and love to her husband: Ponce Franklin of Madison, FL; daughter: Nicole Franklin of Madison, FL; grandchildren: Kierystan Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, and Kennedy Franklin, all of Madison, FL; great-granddaughter: McKennah Johnson, of Madison, FL; brother: Louis Frazier of Tampa, FL; Sisters: Mary (Edward) Palmer of Tampa, FL, Ida Jones of Wesley Chapel, FL, Lorita Johnson of Tampa, FL; sisters-in-law: Margaret Franklin, Mary Lou Thomas, and Agnes Franklin, all of Madison, FL; brothers-in-law: Sammie Lee (Ann) Franklin and Marvin Franklin, all of Madison, FL; Albert (Myrtle) Franklin and Robert Franklin, all of Orlando, FL; numerous other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.