Kate Woody Franklin

Kate Woody Franklin of Laurinburg departed this life at the age of 92 for her Heavenly home on November 23, 2025.

She was born January 16, 1933 in Laurens, SC, loving daughter of the late Ottie Rueben Woody and the late Pearl Eugenia Bailey Woody. In March of 1951, she would marry the love of her life, Rev. Elbert Emory Franklin, with whom she shared a beautiful life. Kate loved being a helpmate to her husband and a pastor’s wife, where they served in ministry together for 32 years. Her love for children and the Lord led to a fulfilling career as a teacher working in Christian Schools for many years until retiring. Kate was a faithful member of Little Mission Holiness Church. She was also a gifted piano player, seamstress, and wonderful cook. Kate will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for her love and devotion to family and friends.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her adored husband, Rev. Elbert Emory Franklin; daughters, Mary Ruth Cooper, Lois Eugenia Dyer; brothers, James Woody, William Woody; sister, Evelyn Serna; and sons-in-law, Rev. Carroll Griffin and Rev. Benny Phillips.

Left to cherish her memory are sons, Joseph Franklin (Cheryl) and Rev. Lou Franklin (Patsy) both of Cornelia, GA; daughters, Evelyn Kaye Holcombe (Jerry) of Burnsville, Nancy Higgins (Gene) of Wagram, Debbie Cooper (Edmond) of Wagram, Kimberly Griffin of Dry Fork, VA; sons-in-law, Rev. Ellis Cooper of Laurinburg, Rev. Larry Dyer of Ila, GA; fifteen grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren; and special caregiver, Kenya "Kim" Smith; along with a host of loving extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Richard Boles Funeral Service.

The funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at the Little Mission Holiness Church followed by burial in the church cemetery. 

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