Aunt Emily - family photo from the 1950s

Another "Franklin family photo" from the late 1950s - 

my aunt Emily with her son Jerry and daughter Pat.  

Thanks to cousin Pat for sending this one. 

Granny Keeter

My cousin Pat emailed me some photos for the reunion slideshow - including this picture of "Granny Keeter" taken in 1950.  I think this is the first time I have seen a picture of Tiny Keeter, who was Mattie Bell Keeter's mother (and my great-grandmother)! I found her obituary is listed in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal on Oct 2, 1953 and she is listed as "Tina" Keeter, age 83 so she was probably born in 1870.

Annie Mae Dorman, July 13, 1911-May 14, 1966

Annie Mae Franklin was the 3rd child of Charles and Mattie.  Aunt Ann was married to Albert Dorman (who worked as policeman for the town of Cowpens) and they had three daughters - Dianne, Gloria and Barabara.   Dianne is pictured above with her mom and dad and husband Ray Pettit in a photo from 1964.  I remember as a small boy spending many days at their home.  Uncle Albert used to set me on top of the washer to take a "ride" as it moved across the floor during the spin cycle.  One of my favorite memories of Aunt Ann was her strong soprano voice in the choir at Gospel Baptist Church.  Sadly, the first funeral I remember attending was for Annie Mae who died at the young age of 54 in 1966.

Howard and Ruth Franklin

The oldest son of Charles and Mattie Franklin was their 6th child, Charles Howard Franklin (b. March 20, 1919 d. Feb 04 1993).  Uncle Howard married Ruth Felmet and they had three children - Helen Ruth, James and Janet.  Cousin Jim emailed this photo to use for the reunion. 

family photos

Updated, cropped photos for the reunion flyer - much better facial expressions on these two photos. 

Grandpa and Grandma Franklin 

(Charles Clinton 

and Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin)

remembering cousin Jerry

In honor of my late cousin Jerry Kirby, who would have turned 57 today, July 5th. Born in 1955 and died in December of 2010.  He was like a brother to me when we were little boys. His mother Emily Franklin Kirby (Jones) was one of my dad's sisters.  We miss you cousin! 

The 1st Franklin and Keeter Family Reunion

Looking forward to our 1st Franklin and Keeter reunion on Friday, August 10 2012, at the Cowpens Calvary Baptist Church "Franklin Fellowship Hall"

Grandpa Franklin (Charles Clinton Franklin) is pictured at left - this portrait was done in the early 1950's after he died and hung on the wall at Grandma's house until after she died in 1980.  My dad had the portrait painted so since he would not take it off the wall and to his house, he allowed me to take them to my house.  I proudly display this alongside my dad's portrait at my home! 

Grandma Franklin (Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin) is pictured below, probably taken in the 1950's. Grandma lived to be 91 years old.  We are trying to do research on her family history as well, but not having any luck.