Tributes

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/713605572/ https://livestream.com/accounts/7325565/evalfranklin Eva Lunell “Sister” Franklin Eva Lunell “Sister” Franklin, 87, of Austin died Thursday, March 25th. She was born in De Kalb, TX on July 25, 1933, a daughter of the late Henrietta (Oliver) and Tom Morgan Franklin. Eva accepted Christ at an early age. She joined and was baptized at Hegler Chapel C.M.E. Church in De Kalb, Texas. Eva graduated from Patterson High School in 1950. She was a member of the band and played the drums and trumpet. After high school, she continued her education and attended Huston-Tillotson College. Eva graduated on May 30, 1955 with a B.S. in Commercial Education. She committed her life as an educator for over 30 years. She worked in school districts in Texas for 6 years, Mississippi for 7 years, and in New York for 22 Years. In the 1960’s she was the first Black African American Woman to integrate Greece Olympic High School in Rochester, NY and teach Business Communications. In 1969, Eva joined Memorial A.M.E. Church in Rochester, NY where she sang in the choir for 4 years. She later moved her membership in 1986, and joined Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Rochester, NY under the leadership of the late Rev. Samuel McCree. After a successful retirement in 1987, she moved back to Austin, TX to reunite with family. She then joined St. James Baptist Church in 1988 under the leadership of the late Rev. E. M. Franklin. Eva was a faithful member. She was active in Sunday School and loved the E.M. Franklin Male Chorus. Eva began working at the L.B.J. Library and Museum; later joining the Essevell Club, where she served as secretary and contact person and the Heroines of Jericho. Eva was preceded in death by her parents and brother Joe Morgan Franklin. She leaves to cherish her memory; son Keith D. Morgan; two brothers, SGM (Retired) Carl H. Franklin and wife Pin, and Dr. Barry J.W. Franklin and wife Marie; special sister-in-law Myrtle L. Franklin; 5 nieces, Pamela Franklin, Barbara Franklin, Thasanee “Thang” and Saphattra “Thong” Franklin and Debra Ann Sistrunk; 2 nephews, Kenneth Holmes and Larry Franklin; 8 great nephews, Dalton Sistrunk II, Torian Franklin, Marques, Mychal, and Myles Dungey; Ashton, Alston and Airston Nuckols; 2 great nieces, Breah, and Kyara Franklin; special cousins Ruby Mack of Linden, TX, Wyndolyn "Gwenn" Bowden of Los Angeles, CA; Dr. Glenda Bowden Daniels (Kenneth) of Arlington, TX; and Debbie Bowden of Austin, TX; special sister and best friend Tillie Mackey; special brothers Clifton Griffin, Douglas R. Hughes, Kenneth Simpkins and Dr. A.L. Mackey; special son Billy Ware; and a host of many other extended relatives and friends in the Austin, De Kalb and New York communities.

Tributes

Eva Lunell (Sister) Franklin

July 25, 1933 - March 25, 2021