Deacon Judson Theodore Franklin was born on July 30, 1934, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to the late Judson T. Franklin, Sr. and the late Quincy Sims. He peacefully transitioned from this earthly life, Sunday, March 29, 2026, 4:04 a.m. leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and strength that will forever be cherished.

He received his education in Chicago, Illinois, and was a proud graduate of Phillips High School. At an early age, he developed a strong work ethic that would define much of his life. In 1949, he began his career with U.S. Steel, where he faithfully worked for 44½ years before retiring—a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

In his earlier years, he was united in marriage to Essie Franklin, and from this union one son, Judson Franklin III, was born. Later in life, on November 10, 1999, he married the love of his life, Beverly Lawrence, in Gary, Indiana. Together they built a life centered on love, companionship, and shared joy.

Deacon Franklin was a man who found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved baseball, football, and fishing. He especially cherished spending time with his family—taking his daughters, Asia and Mariah, to Great America each year to ride roller coasters, enjoying family vacations, and looking forward to spring break gatherings. One of his greatest joys was relaxing at home in his favorite chair, watching a good movie or television show alongside his beloved wife.

His greatest devotion, however, was to his faith in God. In the early 2000s, he joined Victory Overcomer Outreach Ministry in Indiana, where he was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Pastor David Walton. After relocating to Florida in 2014, he united with New Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia, under the leadership of his nephew, Rev. Jackie L. Hooper, Sr., and Sis. Zandra Hooper.

In 2016, after prayerful consideration for his health, he and his wife sought a local church home and found a loving church family at First Baptist Church of Yulee. There, he faithfully served and was ordained again as a Deacon under the leadership of Pastor William Goode and First Lady Rosaline Goode. His life reflected his calling—he was a devoted servant, a man of wisdom, and a spiritual pillar to his family and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Judsenna Franklin Neal (Esley); his brothers, Arron Franklin and Willie D. Franklin (Marian); and his grandson, Deparion Strakas.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted wife, Beverly Lawrence-Franklin; his children: Judson Franklin III (Georgia), Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Arbie Parker (Angela), Yulee, Florida; Charlene Carter (Alfonzo), Madison, Wisconsin; Christine Mayes (Larry), Michigan City, Indiana; Cliffie Katt Fitts; Charmaine Burns; Christiasia Lawrence Franklin; and Mariah Franklin, all of Yulee, Florida.

He also leaves a legacy of love through his 25 grandchildren: Loyd, Shanita, Wiley, Christopher, Octavius, Stevener Jr., Charlece, Alfonzo Jr., Michael, Terrell, Derrell, Barry Jr., Keevonna, Keona, Brennen, Brisa, Aubrei, Najieb, Malicauakai, Mickey, Sidney, L.J., Leeann, and Sean; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of in-laws including Edith, Nancy (Marvin), Pamela, Dakota, Teresa, Debra, Michael, Raymond, Carlton, Simpson Jr., and Dwayne.

He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his beloved church family of First Baptist Church of Yulee, all of whom will miss him deeply.

Deacon Franklin was more than a man—he was a patriarch, a servant of God, and a steady light in the lives of many. His legacy of faith, love, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Franklin may be viewed on Friday, April 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Yulee, 86584 Pinewood Drive, Yulee Florida 32097, from 4:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Yulee, 86584 Pinewood Drive, Yulee Florida 32097,

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204