Barbara Jean Franklin

Barbara Jean Franklin was a true St. Louis girl, born, raised and lived her life to fullest in the City of St. Louis. She had a heart of gold and strong opinions about life and family, and, was never shy about voicing the same. Barbara Jean was born on May 13, 1942 at Homer G. Phillips Hospital to Dorothy Mae Payne and Tommy Tyler. Because of her young age, Dorothy was urged by her Father to marry David Garnett, an enlisted Army soldier. David assumed the duties of father and raised Barbara with Dorothy and the assistance of her sister, Mary Rodgers and her children Rosemary Banks, James Rodgers, Jr and Joyce Rodgers. Later, Barbara Jean was introduced to her biological father, Tommy, and was welcomed into his young family’s life by his wife, Lucy “Nanny” Tyler. Here Barbara Jean was surrounded by siblings, Ethel, Martha, Lois, Helena, John and Tommy, Jr. Barbara was a product of the St. Louis Public School systems and attended Franklin, Carr Lane and Blewett elementary schools and Vashon High School (now Harris Stowe Teacher’s College). At the age of 18, she married Carl Linyard Jackson and produced two daughters, Venus Jackson Hammel and Carla Jackson Hawkins. Unfortunately, this union was short lived and Barbara had to make arrangements to take care of herself and her two daughters. She was able to secure an apartment in the newly established, Pruitt Igoe Apartments in the mid-sixties. During this time of change, Barbara met, Charlie Jefferson and was enamored with his charm. Charlie and Barbara lived a 23 year, common law life and had two children, Wanda Jackson and Charles Jackson. They mutually parted ways. In 1983, Barbara married Virgil Franklin and he gave Barbara the life she always dreamed of: Becoming a homeowner and the ability to travel. Virgil passed in 2003 which left a whole in Barbara’s heart. Ten years later, she met Abner Williams, who truly brought a light to her heart and to her smile. Though they only dated for six years until his passing in 2019, there was no doubt that he made her feel like a giddy school girl. Barbara was a workaholic at home and work. She worked at a number of companies before she landed at the Marriott Hotel in 1979. At Marriot Hotel, so found her true passion for the industry and the people she worked alongside. Barbara was employed at the Downtown St. Louis Marriott Hotel and retired with dignity grace in her late 50’s. Barbara was a truly a blessed child of God and leaves behind a wealth of family and friends: Siblings Martha Doyle, Lois Tyler, Helena Tyler and John Tyler and a number of Garnett sisters and brothers; Children: Venus Hammel, Wanda Jackson, and Charles Jackson; Grand Children: Latoya Harris, Tim Bowman, Jr, Darnell Jackson, Tanisha Moore, Paige Lenzy, Bree Hammel, Chasity Jackson, Carl Jackson, Cortez Moore, Charles Jackson, Jr and Gavin Harris. Eight (8) great grand children, three (3) great great grand daughters, a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and more.. For most of her years, Barbara was a very healthy woman and exercised vigorously until she took ill at the end of 2016. This is a special thank you to her grand-daughter, Latoya Harris and her husband, Greg Harris. They took her in at her greatest time of need. Surrounding her with love and family. They give true meaning to the word “FAMILY” and the children of Barbara Jean Franklin are eternally grateful. Barbara will truly be missed and we cherish ever being a part of her life’s journey.

Barbara Jean Franklin

May 13, 1942 - January 24, 2021