Martha Rice Franklin

Martha Rice Franklin, 90, entered into the presence of her Lord, and Savior, on Sunday, December 17, 2023.  She was born on August 26, 1933, in Caroleen, NC, a daughter of the late John Sherman Rice and Ethel Mae Allen Rice. For over 66 years she was the devoted and loving wife of the late Rev. Homer Eugene Franklin. 

Martha and her late husband were founders of Calvary Baptist Church of Cowpens, SC. Her ministry was serving the Lord by playing the piano, being a longtime Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, and supporting her church any way that she could. Martha and her husband also led church services at White Oak Estates for many years. 

A dedicated and hard worker, Martha retired from Pentex (Alcon) in Cowpens and formerly was employed with Converse Mills. 

Martha is survived by her children, Tim Franklin (Cindy) of Lawrenceville, Ga, Deborah F. Logan (Charlie) of Jacksonville, FL, and Loretta Franklin of Boiling Springs, SC; 8 grandchildren, Kenny Arthur, Ben Arthur, Jonathan Logan, April Wyatt, Philip Logan, Joshua Franklin, Stephen Franklin and Brandon Franklin; and 25 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Stephen Anthony Franklin, and siblings, Louise McDaniel and James Rice. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 p.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church of Cowpens, 451 Pleasant Valley Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral service will follow in the sanctuary at 2:00 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Jeff Jones and the Rev. Joshua Franklin.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. 

The family will be at the home. 

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Cowpens, P.O. Box 1811, Cowpens, SC 29330. 

Floyd’s North Church Street