Minister Janie Franklin

Please adhere to COVID-19 Guidelines and social distance. The service will be live-streamed at 12noon on S.L. McLaughlin Funeral Home facebook page.

On March 12, 2021, the Spirit of the Lord entered the room of Minister Janie Jacobs- Franklin and took her home to be with Him. Janie was born on August 3, 1930, to the late Algue Jacobs and Emma M Davis in Florence, South Carolina.

 Along with her father, sister (best friend) Delilah and their grandmother Janie, they relocated to Albany, New York, where she was educated in the Albany Public School system and attended Albany High.  While in high school she was involved in the music ensembles and played basketball as a point guard. She received her high school diploma in 1948. She also acquired her cosmetology license. In 1951 she graduated from the State University of New York where she obtained her degree in Nursing. She was employed by Child's Hospital, the Villa Mary Immaculate, and the Ann Lee Home, where she retired. She was a valued nurse who was great at her craft. The doctors she worked with trusted her insight regarding patient care. In addition, she taught piano to many local youth and young adults in the Capital District.  She was most definitely a "jack of all trades". 

As a young lady Janie married, and from that union she had five children. She later went on and met and married the love of her life Deacon Robert Joseph Franklin and from this union they had two children.

Minister Franklin accepted Christ at an early age. Her family united with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church upon their arrival to Albany, New York. She attended the Union Baptist Church and later the Mt Olive Southern Missionary Baptist Church, under the late Rev. Odell Wesley Surgick.   During her time at Mt. Olive she was a part of the Choursters, the Deaconess Board, the Catherine Surgick Choir, a Sunday school teacher and the organizer and director of the Mount Olive Male Chorus.  She loved to sing.  Every Sunday, you would hear her soprano voice in the church choir, her high note could be heard throughout the church when they sang "Amen". 

 She also served as the Capital District Community Choir president under the leadership of the late Professor Rudolph V. Stinney. Where she was affectionately known as "Madam President." 

She later went on to become a founding member of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities. 

Her love for the Gospel was always evident. She developed a deep, intimate love for studying the exegesis of the Word of God, living a life of prayer, and fasting. She attended and received numerous certificates from the Bible Institute of Albany in biblical studies. She was also a part of the Willing Workers and the Evangelistical Workers, under the late Rev. Dr. Minnie L. Burns.  Under this organization, she was licensed as an Evangelist. She would travel throughout the Capital Region, and the state, training missionaries, evangelists, and others called to ministry. She was a trailblazers for women as she was instrumental in opening doors for many of them to become active in preaching the Word. 

Minister Franklin served as the Associate Minister of the Star Bethlehem Baptist Church after she received her license in ministry. She also implemented the first Vacation Bible School (VBS), Street Ministry, Ministerial training classes and the Nursing Home Ministry. She served as a Sunday teacher and Superintendent of the church. 

Her work was not just for the inside of the church. She also worked as a part of the Police Civilian Review Board until she no longer had the capacity to do so. She believed in accountability and held the Mayor and local leaders of her ward accountable. Everyone knew she was a "straight shooter" who would always tell the truth. Minister Franklin was not only known for her no-nonsense ways but for the motherly, nurturing, and unconditional love she gave to everyone. 

She leaves a legacy of memories to be cherished by her children, who adored her; Donna McLendon, Leonard (Karen) Watkins, Trina (Edsall) Walker III, Robin (Timothy) Craig, Dr. Rhonda Ferguson; 27 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren; 

son in law John Campbell, daughter in law Ann Marie Franklin; special nieces, Pastor Theresa Surgick, Gloria Denise Odom, and Rose Odom; nephew Benjamin Odom; Goddaughter Joyce Brown; special daughters Velma McAdoo and Jaqueline Wilkins; good friend Nel Stokes Holmes, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children, and friends.  

She was predeceased by her husband Deacon Robert Joseph Franklin, by her precious daughters, Andrea D. Campbell and Linda M. Watkins, sons Robert Franklin and Ronald Franklin, grandson Jason E. Mayo, sister Delilah Jacobs Odom, brother -in -law Benjamin A Odom Sr., and son -in -law Anthony D. Ferguson, Sr. 

Minister Franklin has poured out and into the lives of so many. NOW it's time for her departure. She has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. NOW, there is in store for her the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, has awarded unto her. (2 Timothy 4:6-8). It is well with her soul.

"A life that touches others goes on forever" (Unknown). Thank you, Minister Franklin. Your legacy lives on. 

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