Elizabeth “Betty” Thomas Franklin
Elizabeth “Betty” Thomas Franklin, 93, of Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 11:25 AM, Monday, September 16, 2024, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra.
Friends and family are invited to Betty’s Life Celebration at a visitation was held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, September 20, 2024, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.
A funeral service was held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra. Pastor Marty Smyser will officiate. Burial will follow at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal, Mo.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Betty was born November 5, 1930, in Hannibal, MO to Paul Joseph Hirner and Lorine Angus Mudd Hirner. She was married to William C. Thomas in 1947, in Marion County, MO. He preceded her in death December 26, 2020.
Survivors include her Children, Chris Thomas (Brenda), Jessica Bevenour (Jim), Patrick Thomas (Theresa), Pam Weisenborn (Donald), Donald Thomas, Teresa Jones, Jennifer Thomas (Calvin), and Tina McClelland (Tim), Brothers, Pat Hirner, and Tim Hirner, 27 Grandchildren and numerous Great Grandchildren, Great- Great Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Brother, Robert Hirner, Son, Wesley David Thomas, Daughter, Carol Ann Conde, Grandsons, Caleb Goodson, Jospeh Thomas, and Nicholas Hull, Granddaughters, Amanda Zumwalt and Stephanie Sims, and Great-Granddaughter, Evelyn Grace Powell.
Betty dedicated her life to nurturing others, both as an aide for the School of the Blind in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and as a mother to her ten children. Her home was a hub of joy, filled with the aromas of her amazing meals and the sight of clothes she lovingly sewed.
Betty’s joy for life led her on many adventures across the United States, and with a memorable pilgrimage to Israel, where she was baptized in the Jordan River. Her love for hiking in the desert and mountains was only matched by her passion for music, with the tunes of Charlie Pride, Willie Nelson, and Elvis often providing the soundtrack to her life.
An artistic soul, Betty’s crafty hands and heart left a legacy of beauty and warmth. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Pallbearers were Stephen Lacy, Brandon Thomas, Eric Clement, Jacob Hull, Brady Sims, Michael Frantz, and Sean Hampton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Lawn Nursing Home Auxiliary Fund.
Honorary pallbearers were James Jones, Bobby Frantz, and Braydon Hampton.