1948 – 2023

Ola Franklin was born Oct. 23, 1948 to loving parents, Percy Lee Smith and Nita Marie Holiday Robinson (both deceased), in Houston, Texas. Ola received the Lord at an early age and was an active member in her church and community. She graduated from Marian Anderson High School in Madisonville Texas in 1967.

Ola Franklin married her High School sweetheart, R. L. Franklin, Jr. (deceased), on March 9, 1968. They soon after moved to Houston where she joined Solid Rock Baptist Church.

Ola served at Solid Rock Baptist Church under her pastor, O. L. Holliday, the founding pastor. When Pastor Driver passed, Ola served on the pastoral search committee upon his passing to soon install Pastor Ross Cullins, Sr., who was her current pastor. She served faithfully during her tenure as the food services coordinator and president of the senior choir and the women’s ministry. She loved her church family with all her heart, and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them.

Ola always met you with a smile, hug and a plate of food. She enjoyed seeing people enjoy the dishes that she prepared. She prepared all of her meals with love and perfection. Her cakes and pies would melt in your mouth and make you forget all of your problems.

woman who was the epitome of what a hardworking, God-fearing woman looked like.

She would give you her last and defend you until the end. Ola was definitely one to have in your corner. She had no problem with speaking her mind and correcting you when you were wrong.

Ola is survived by daughter, Rev. Deborah Franklin; sons, Mark Franklin (Tenetta Franklin) and Justin Daniels (Bianca Arbelo); grandchildren, Chris Thomas, Chad Thomas, Bella Gomez, Mia Daniels, Dominic Daniels and Laila Brooks; great-grandson, Mika Thomas; siblings, Pamela Davis, Velma Johnson, Ruby Robinson, James Robinson (Verlene), Abner Joe Smith, and Percy Lee Jr.; in-laws, Norma Smith Vigilant, Pastor Lloyd Jones, Sr., Janel Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas Gene Smith, Robert Earl Robinson Sr., and Hobart Robinson Jr.; and sisters, Stella Louise Smith and Ethel Rogers.

Homegoing services for Ola Smith Franklin were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at New Life Missionary Church in Madisonville, Texas.

Pastor Lloyd Jones, Sr. officiated the service.

Interment followed in West End Cemetery, Madisonville, Texas.

Pallbearers were Brad Russo, Dr. Timothy Sandles, Jose Caballeros, Steven Wallace, Chad Thomas, Chris Anderson.

Honorary Pallbearers were Mark Franklin, Justin Franklin, Derrick Smith, Fredrick Smith, Gregory Tryon, Lloyd Jones, Jr.

Arrangements were under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.