[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E457-E458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MRS. JUANITA ADELE FRANKLIN

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2012

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, 
the Hon. Ed Pastor, to honor the extraordinary life of my aunt, Mrs. 
Juanita Franklin. Those who knew her as wife, sister, aunt, great-aunt, 
great-great aunt, friend and neighbor affectionately called her 
``Auntie Nita'' or ``Sister.'' As a loving partner, a second mother to 
many generations of nieces and nephews, and as a dedicated community 
member, Mrs. Franklin was known for her strong personal values and her 
simple approach to life. With Juanita's passing on March 18, 2012, we 
are reminded of her life's journey over the last century, and the 
joyful legacy she inspired.
  Mrs. Juanita Adele Franklin was born to Mr. William Calhoun Parish 
and Mrs. Willie Edith Parish, in El Paso, Texas on July 8, 1911. She 
was one of three daughters, and enjoyed growing up with her two 
sisters, Lois Murell and Mildred Massey. Raised in El Paso, where she 
attended Douglass Elementary and High School, Mrs. Franklin went on to 
Huston Tillotson College in Austin, Texas, where she received a 
bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts.
  It was there that Mrs. Franklin met the love of her life, the late 
Albert Franklin. The couple exchanged vows in 1935 in San Antonio, 
Texas, and were married for over 50 years. Although she never had 
children of her own, Juanita adored her nieces and nephews and served 
as a generous mentor and confidant. Throughout her long life, she took 
great joy in watching her great and great-great nieces and nephews grow 
and thrive.
  Over their five decades of marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin resided in 
El Paso, TX, Portsmouth, VA, Los Angeles, Pacoima, and Oakland, CA, and 
Sun City, AZ. Upon the death of her husband, she went to live with her 
youngest sister, Mildred, and spent the last eight years of her life at 
The Right Choice Adult Care Home in Glendale, AZ. There she

[[Page E458]]

received excellent care, established close friendships, and kept up on 
current events as an avid reader until her final days.
  Mrs. Franklin will always be remembered for her pleasant disposition, 
her warm smile and her welcoming spirit. A great lover of good food and 
rich sweets--especially chocolate candy and donuts--Mrs. Franklin 
attributed her impressive longevity to following the Golden Rule, 
having personal integrity and eating right (without sacrificing 
dessert). She stressed the importance of treating everyone with 
respect, and some of her favorite pastimes included lively discussions 
with family and friends about the state of the world, as well as scenic 
car rides.
  One of the great milestones of her life was her 100th birthday, which 
she celebrated last year surrounded by friends and family--along with 
special recognition and well wishes from President Barack Obama and 
First Lady Michelle Obama. Upon her homegoing, we continue the 
celebration of this incredible woman, who touched others' lives in 
countless ways.
  Today, the 9th Congressional District of California and the 4th 
Congressional District of Arizona salute and honor an outstanding human 
being, Mrs. Juanita Adele Franklin. The contributions she made 
throughout her life are now part of an enduring legacy. She is survived 
by sisters Lois Murell and Mildred Massey; nieces Barbara Lee, Mildred 
Whitfield (Calvin), and Beverly Hardy (Martin); a host of great nieces 
and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and friends. Her loved 
ones will continue to draw strength and comfort from the memory of her 
dignity, her decency, and her infinite kindness. May her soul rest in 
peace.

                          ____________________