Elizabeth Joann Franklin

Elizabeth Joann Franklin, 84, Monroe City, Mo., passed away peacefully surrounded by her children at 1:41 a.m., Sunday, July 10, 2022, at her home. She was often lovingly referred to as Momma Jo, Gramma Jo or GJ.

Joann was born April 12, 1938, in LaGrange, Mo., to William “Bill” Henry Wolfmeyer and Elizabeth “Betty” Musholt. She was married to Dwight S. Franklin on June 22, 1957 in Palmyra, Mo. He preceded her in death March 25, 1972.

Survivors include her seven children, Tony Franklin (Karen), St. Joseph, Mo.; Billy Franklin (Beth), Monroe City; Christina McCarley (Stephen), Champagne, Ill. Andy “Hotdog” Franklin (Katherine), Tarpon Springs, Fla.; Tammy Franklin, Monroe City; Missy Hetheriton (Mike), Monroe City; and Mindy Knapp, Palmyra; three brothers, Bob Wolfmeyer (Doris), Palmyra; Bill Wolfmeyer (Sue), Quincy, Ill.; and Rich Wolfmeyer (Susie), Palmyra; one sister, Therese Dudash, Hollywood, Fla.; 23 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Cathy Franklin Bichsel.

Joann loved people which might be why she worked 15 years for the Department of Tourism in Hannibal, Kansas City and Eagleville. She also had 15 years with the Hannibal Courier-Post, even treating the paper carriers as part of the family.  

Other ways Joann made her mark on the community was by teaching religious education classes or volunteering at the Monroe City Nutrition Center. 

Joann loved the Kansas City Chiefs. In her spare time she would tend to flowers while watching hummingbirds. She also liked shows such as The Family Feud or Dr. Pol. Always favoring older country music, some favorites were Kenny Rogers, Charlie Pride and Johnny Cash to name a few. 

On occasion a game of chance might intrigue her, leading to the purchase of lottery tickets or even a trip to “The Boat” with her special friend, Mary Ann Hagan. 

Family and friends will remember Joann for having the very best sweet rolls. She always enjoyed playing rummy with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also took great pleasure in the breakfast meetings with siblings. 

Joann will be best remembered for raising eight children, knowing when to be gentle and when to be firm, and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, , at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City. Father Greg Oligschlaeger will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Palmyra.

Pallbearers will be Derek Bichsel, Ty Franklin, Zach Franklin, Andrew Franklin, Joshua Hetheriton, Dalton Hetheriton, Devin Knapp, Colin Knapp, Garret Franklin and Nicholas Franklin.

Honorary pallbearers will be all her additional grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic School or the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

The family is being served by the O’Donnell-Thurman Life Celebration Home in Monroe City.