| Graduation Year | Class of 1972 |
| Date of Birth | Mar 12, 1953 |
| Date of Passing | Oct 21, 2022 |
| About | Minister Deborah Ann Horton Franklin was born March 12, 1953 in Birmingham (Jefferson County), Alabama. She was the ninth child born to the late John Wesley & Mary Wright Horton. During high school she fell in love with Carson Franklin and the two were married on August 20, 1971. Together they had four children and later adopted their fifth child. She accepted Christ at an early age. Throughout her youth she attended Bethel AME Church, Overton. She was the Youth Director and a member of the Missionary Society. Later she joined Grant Chapel AME Church where she was called to preach The Word. She was also an Associate Minister at Saint Luke AME Church. Throughout her lifetime she had touched many lives with her ministerial efforts. She taught Youth Bible Study. She changed the lives of so many people with her teachings throughout the 9th District Episcopal Order of Service of the AME Church. She enjoyed sharing cooking recipes, savory dishes and warm cakes, She was such a loving person. Her smile would melt your heart. Her greatest organization was the Franklin Outreach Ministry. She started this ministry in 2011 receiving bread and pastries from Publix Supermarket and other stores in the area. She and her family touched so many lives sharing with those in need. Franklin Outreach Ministry serviced The Love Lady, Brother Bryan, Firehouse Shelter, Olivia House, Expect A Miracle, and the Irondale Senior Center. Deborah was proceeded in death by her parents and eight of her siblings: Nancy Austin, Maggie Battle, Fannie Horton, James Horton, Gwendolyn Stove, Karen Stewart, Obbie Horton, and Roosevelt Horton. Her memories will be cherished by her husband of 51 years, Carson Franklin, Sr.; three daughters, Trinita (Leroy) Franklin-Hewitt, Carla (Willie) Hatcher, and Diondra Franklin; two sons, Carson Franklin, Jr. and Derrick Franklin; fourteen grandchildren, Carlyn Besler, Carlton Franklin, Sebastia Bester, Mya King, Jenesys Franklin, Joshua King, Carson Franklin, III, Madison Franklin, Jeremiah Franklin, Simeon Franklin, Carmen Franklin, Margaret Reis Franklin, Emiley Franklin, and one on the way; three great-grands, Aiden Henderson, Carmon Franklin, & Yashina Franklin; one sister-in-love, Mary Horton; and one brother, Leon Horton; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. |
