Congratulations to the newlyweds - Airel and Haley Baggett! March 27 2021

 

Five Generations in AR

What a great photo from the wedding of Airel and Haley Brooke Baggett on Saturday in Eureka Springs, AR - Cindy with her mom, Winnie, with Kim and Kendra and her baby -five generations in one photo 

Happy Birthday to our niece April ! (Born March 20)

 

Wishing a "Happy Birthday" to our niece April Logan Wyatt , pictured with her husband Robbie and daughters 

Hope you had a great day! 

Uncle James Darrell Rice, US ARMY during the Korean War

 My uncle James Rice  pictured in his Army uniform

He served during the Korean War. 

Aunt Robbie celebrated her 81st birthday !

Aunt Robbie celebrated her 81st birthday on Jan 3rd! 

 Jellies made by Susan Blackstock 

and gifted to Aunt Robbie and Uncle Joel 

Franks family photos from the past

 

On our last trip to Arkansas,  I took a picture of these photos of Uncle Bo and Aunt Dolores. These were photos of the original paintings by Dolores Franks, as noted on the back of each photo.  Jesse Gibson Franks, who we knew as Uncle Bo Franks, was the brother of  Cindy's grandmother, Mildred Franks Baggett. This painting was based on an old photo circa June 1969 when he received his Doctor of Education degree from Ball State University in Muncie IN.

The 2nd photo is from  a self portrait of Dolores, the original is a 12x18 acrylic painted from a photo at their wedding reception on March 3, 1973 in Taichung, Taiwan.  

Old Family Photos from Arkansas

 Photo from 1945 (as noted on the back of picture) 

"Aunt Phenie" Josephine (Franks) Stahl 

and her husband Aubrey E Stahl.

She was Mildred (Franks) Baggett's sister 

We spent time in AR last week and so glad 

that her daughter Peggy Granderson 

shared this photo with us 

By the dawn's early light and through the fight she stands

 

There She Stands

by Michael W. Smith

When the night
Seems to say
All hope is lost
Gone away
But I know
I'm not alone
By the light
She stands

There she waves
Faithful friend
Shimmering stars
Westward wind
Show the way
Carry me
To the place
She stands

Just when you think it might be over
Just when you think the fight is gone
Someone will risk his life to raise her
There she stands

There she flies
Clear blue skies
Reminds us with red
Of those that died
Washed in white
By the brave
In their strength
She stands

When evil calls itself a martyr
When all your hopes come crashing down
Someone will pull her from the rubble
There she stands

We've seen her flying torn and tattered
We've seen her stand the test of time
And through it all the fools have fallen
There she stands

By the dawn's
Early light
And through the fight
She stands

Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day 2020

On this Memorial Day, we remember my grandfather's brother, 

Private John P Franklin.

He died at the young age of 23 while serving our country , at the end of World War I, 

on Feb 19 1919.  His grave is at High Shoal Baptist Church cemetery in NC. 

Grateful he was willing to give his all that we might have freedom.

Easter memories from 1960

A favorite family Easter photo from Easter 1960 

with my Grandpa J S Rice and Grandma Ethel Rice

and two sisters , Loretta (1) Deborah (7) and little Timmy (4 1/2)

Thanks for the memories

Amy posted these photos on facebook recently of her parents-

David  and Jo Ann Baggett from  back in the day

sharp looking young people ,  my wife's Uncle and Aunt  

Reunion of Briggs Family in the 1960s

My mom came across this old newspaper article and photo  from the 1960s.

Her grandmother is front and center,  Harriett Loretta Briggs Allen, 

and in this photo are her sisters and brothers at a Briggs family reunion.  

Harriet, my great-grandmother, was born in 1881 

and died in 1967. 

She was the daughter of Edward West Briggs and Laura J Proffitt Briggs 

She married Joby Allen and together they had 11 children - 

 one was my grandmother -

Ethel Mae Allen who would marry John Sherman Rice. 

Dianne Dorman Pettit (May 01, 1946 - September 17, 2019)

SPARTANBURG, SC- Dianne Dorman Pettit, 73, answered the roll call in heaven today. She fought strong in her journey home and God gave her rest on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. She was among family and friends and peacefully walked through heaven's gate. Dianne was married 37 years to the late Cecil Ray Pettit Sr. of Cowpens, SC, and is survived by her four children: C. Ray Pettit Jr. (Bernadette) of Moore, SC, James A. Pettit (Kathy) of Reidville, SC, Miranda L. Pettit of Inman, SC, and Preston R. Pettit (Christy) of Mansfield, TX. 

She has fifteen grandchildren: Christopher (Bri) Pettit, Matthew (Arianna) Pettit, Andrew Pettit, Joshua Pettit, Erica Pettit, Jacob Pettit, Austin (Elizabeth) Pettit, Kayla Pettit, Daniel Pettit, Rachel Pettit, Benjamin Pettit, Emily (Chris) Blaine, Ashlyn Stubbs, Haley Stubbs and Seth Stubbs. She also has eight great-grandchildren, Liam and Nora Pettit, Matthew Pettit Jr., Marley Adair, Kieran Johnson, Carter Pettit, Ava Stubbs, and Sophia Blaine.

Dianne was the daughter of the late Annie Mae Franklin Dorman and Albert J. Dorman of Cowpens SC. She has two sisters; Gloria Dorman Walker and the late Barbara Dorman Wilkie. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, James H. "Jimmy" Pettit Jr. and sisters-in-law, Phyllis Swofford and Regina Pettit.

Dianne dearly loved her family and friends, but nothing compared to her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As a believer, she served God faithfully in numerous capacities including Choir, Drama, Hospitality, Bible Classes and Visitations. She faithfully attended many local churches and was an active member of Restoration/Hope Church. Dianne was a talented singer and loved to worship and honor the Lord through song. She loved to fellowship with church families and developed many lifelong friendships through Christ. She also loved to spend lots of time with her children and grandchildren. Dianne took advantage of every opportunity to have a great adventure with those she loved. She especially loved to go on Disney trips with her family and watch movies with friends and family.

Dianne spent much of her early life as a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother raising four children. She was a doting mom who meticulously cared for her children. She loved spending time with them as kids and as adults. Eventually, she joined the work force and worked numerous jobs to help support the family. As Ray's health declined, she worked tirelessly as the sole "bread winner" while also supporting his ever-increasing medical needs.

During those tough years, Dianne placed more faith in God and she grew spiritually stronger and more self-sufficient. When Ray passed away, Dianne continued to work for another fifteen years to support herself and enjoyed numerous family trips and adventures. Her strength, determination, and faith in God allowed her to live the life she wanted for many years after his death.

She never remarried. And today, after eighteen years of waiting to be reunited, heaven has been realized and she's finally back in the arms of the only man she ever loved. We'll miss her dearly here on earth, but we take comfort in knowing that she is no longer bound to years of bodily suffering anymore. She saw Jesus this morning. He made her new.

Visitation for family and friends will be 12:00 noon – 1:45 PM Friday, September 20, 2019, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg. SC 29307, with funeral services following at 2:00 PM, conducted by Pastor James Pettit and The Rev. Tony Cribb. Interment will be in Daniel Morgan Memorial Gardens, 175 Cemetery St., Cowpens, SC 29330.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hope Church, 102 John Dodd Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303.
An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com
Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel

OBIT Published in Spartanburg Herald-Journal on Sept. 18, 2019

Quilting by Grandma Mattie Bell Franklin

My cousin Judy recently gave us some quilts and toppings that belong to Grandma Franklin.

We took them with us to Wisconsin on vacation, and Leah and her mom gave us some good ideas about finishing the quilts. We also learned that some of the quilt pictured was hand stitched and some of it was machine stitched.  

Tribute to The Man in the Red Bandana - ESPN Video for 9/11

Memories from the 1970's in the Baggett family

Aunt Jo Ann sent a photo from the early 1970's   

Cindy is in front row center and Aunt Robbie and Jo Ann to her right

Mam-ma (Mildred) Baggett is standing , first person to the right 

Others we recognize include Carl Baggett (first person front row) 

Cousin Gertrude and some of her kin  

Memories of a proud American

My dad, Gene Franklin 

Proud to be an American 

He served his country in World Way II 

Photo at the Cowpens SC Veterans Memorial 

Park in 2010 

Documenting Keepsakes

My wife has had this lamp since she was 12 years old.  The light works and the clock keeps accurate time but we lost the metal whip that would go up and down during out last move.  It is special treasure for her!  

Documenting Keepsakes

 KEEPSAKES:  This book holder was hand carved in India, see picture below.  "Completely hand carved in India from one solid piece of Himalayan Jungle Sheesham wood..." 


This is one of the treasures Cindy received when her grandmother passed,  it held the family Bible for many years but we are not sure who gave this to Mam-Ma Baggett.

We remember the fallen

We remember - Private John P Franklin, my great uncle, killed in action WWI

Thanks for your service and giving your all for your country! 

My Grandfather C C Clinton's brother 

John P Franklin 

Born Dec 9 1895  

Killed in action , World War I 

on Feb 19 1919  at 23 years of age

He is buried at High Shoal Baptist Church Cemetery  in Mooresville NC  

Note cards, prayer cards, priceless!

Mom found a stack of cards that my dad had saved , that he used back in the early years of ministry, early to mid - 1960's.  

There were about 100 cards and each card has a different name of a friend, family member, or church member or pastor friend that he prayed for.  

Each card has a number of marks representing each time he prayed for them.  

What a priceless memory! 

Mam-ma still holds a special place in our heart

"Mam-ma Baggett" 

Mildred Lorena Franks Baggett, was born on January 22 1914, 105 years ago.  We still have fond memories of her. She impacted her granddaughter, my wife, and many others in the family I am sure.  Looking forward to seeing her again someday!  

The picture at left is of a song from the Civil War era titled "Lorena" (her middle name).   We made this plaque for a gift for her shortly after we were married.  

It hangs in our home on the wall today, 
along with the picture of Mam-ma below.

 

Life was simple back then...

 Life was simple back then... 

This photo is of Grandma Mattie  Franklin and her daughters Melissa and Emily  and her sister Jenny and her mother Granny "Tiny" Keeter. 

Circa 1940's 

From left to right standing: Melissa, Emily, Jenny, Mattie 

Seated in middle is Granny Keeter with Lucille Keeter on the right 

(no name on photo for the lady seated to the left of Granny Keeter)

Final resting place at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetary in Cowpens

 The VA finally came  through with the white marble grave marker for dad, Gene Franklin.

"Amazing Grace" for Dr. Dan by Phantom Regiment

Signs Along the Journey

Special Memories of My Dad

I love this picture from dad's funeral, the men from American Legion Post 200 folding the flag that was draped over the casket, and in the background his grandson , Joshua, one of the preachers at the funeral!   Photo credit to Lauren Logan 

Video - "He's in Glory Now" Benjamin Everson

Rev. Homer Eugene Franklin (March 26, 1926 - July 12, 2018)

Rev. H Eugene Franklin , photo from 1991

click link to view video and photo at Floyd Mortuary ( not sure how long this will be active)
https://www.floydmortuary.com/obituaries/Homer-Franklin-2/#!/PhotosVideos
the OBIT was published in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal:

Rev. Homer Eugene “Gene” Franklin, 92, of Cowpens, SC, died Thursday, July 12, 2018, at his home. Born March 26, 1926, in Clifton, SC, he was the son of the late Charles Clinton and Mattie Bell Keeter Franklin. He was the last surviving sibling of seven brothers and sisters. A U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II, Rev. Franklin served as pastor of the Gospel Baptist Church and founded Calvary Baptist Church in 1965 where he served for 20 years prior to his retirement. He attended North Greenville College and loved to sing. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Martha Rice Franklin; children, Tim Franklin (Cindy) of Lawrenceville, GA, Deborah F. Logan (Charlie) of Jacksonville, FL and Loretta Franklin of Boiling Springs, SC; grandchildren, Kenny Arthur, Ben Arthur, Jonathan Logan, April Wyatt, Philip Logan, Joshua Franklin, Stephen Franklin and Brandon Franklin and 21 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Stephen Anthony Franklin. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM Sunday, July 15, 2018, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Monday, July 16, 2018, at Cowpens Calvary Baptist Church, 451 Pleasant Valley Rd., Cowpens, SC 29330,  conducted by the Rev. Henry Coley and Rev. Joshua Franklin. Burial will be in Cowpens Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery. The family is at the home. Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel

Four Generations Photo from 1978

I recently found this photo from 1978 

Four generations of Franklins 

Me with my first son Joshua, 
my dad Gene, and my grandma Mattie Franklin

Kelsea Kindrick Baggett (1937 - 2017)

We lost another member of the Baggett family in 2017.  We miss him greatly and enjoyed our visit to CA a few years ago, going to his church and having lunch with his family.  

Kelsea Kindrick Baggett was born on November 19, 1937 to Joe and Mildred Baggett in Arkansas and went to glory to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 7, 2017.  What a reunion awaited him I am sure.  

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Roxanna (Roxy) Baggett, and four children, Dan, Sheryl (Griego), Noel, and Doug and six grandchildren and many other family and friends.  

He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, served in the U. S. Air Force and retired as Director of Nursing at the LA County Sheriff's Department. 

Tribute posted on facebook by his daughter Sheryl Baggett Griego - "He passed in his home, surrounded by his family. We all got to tell him how much we loved him, and he was aware and able to respond to us. I have no way to express how much he meant to me. He was such a great man of integrity, always loving, and a wonderful Christian. He is the best father anyone ever could have asked for, and I thank God for having him in my life."

Barabara Dorman Wilkie (1951 - 2017)

In memory of cousin Barabara Wilkie,  born August 28, 1951 , died January 03, 2017. Barabara was the daughter of my dad's sister, Ann Franklin Dorman.  Her OBIT as published in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal is below. 


BLACKSBURG, SC-- Barabara Dorman Wilkie, 65, of 200 West Carolina Street, Apt. B-4, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. 

Born in Fort Benning, GA, she was the widow of the late Keith Wilkie and daughter of the late Albert Dorman and Ann Franklin Dorman. She retired from textiles and was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church. 

Surviving are a son, Charles Wilkie of Chesnee; a daughter, Annette Gardner and husband, Ronnie, of Blacksburg; a stepson, Richard Wilkie of Spartanburg; a stepdaughter, Candy Wilkie Abrams and husband, Robert, of Spartanburg; two sisters, Gloria Walker of Landrum and Dianne Pettit of Spartanburg; a stepsister, Maudine Wyatt of Cowpens; five grandchildren, Payton Wilkie, R. J. Gardner, Jamie Gardner, Brian Gardner and Don Wilkie; four step-grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Blakely Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Lighthouse Baptist Church with Rev. Grady Gregory officiating. Interment will be in Daniel Morgan Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Lighthouse Baptist Church, P.O. Box 547, Blacksburg, SC 29702. 

Mary Marcoccio Franklin (1926 - 2016)

Aunt Mary Marcoccio Franklin passed away on Dec. 23rd. She was the loving wife of the late Lawrence Clinton Franklin, Sr., who was my dad's brother.  

Pictured at right from the 1990's 

Pictured below from 1957 

From her OBIT on legacy.com:

Mary M Franklin,  90, of North Kingstown, formerly of Warwick, died Friday December 23, 2016.  She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence C. Franklin, Sr. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Eleuterio and Theresa (Consola) Marcoccio. Mary was employed at Elmwood Sensors until her retirement in 1991.

Mary is survived by her loving children: 
John E. Franklin of No. Kingstown, 
Lawrence C. Franklin, Jr. (Barbara) of Scituate and Wayne C. Franklin of Warwick; 
a sister: Angela Denocour of FL; 
8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was the mother of the late Arlene Marques and sister of the late Elise Tafficante, Louise Tella, Anna Ahern, Jennie Dail and Louis, Joseph and Andrew Marcoccio.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 at 7:45 AM from THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 AM in St. Bernard Church, 275 Tower Hill Road, No. Kingstown. Visiting hours on Tuesday from 4 – 7 PM. Burial in Highland Memorial Park. - 

Letter from my grandmother dated July 22, 1969

As I mentioned in my previous post, my mom found this letter written to me by my grandmother Rice in July of 1969. 

It brings back lots of memories of my Mamaw Rice (Ethel Mae Allen Rice). She spent a few months in TN with my Aunt Louise's family when she was sick with cancer. 

I can't remember for sure, but I think I wrote her a letter and she was responding.  She was living with us when she passed away in our living room in 1970.  We tend to remember the way things were right before someone passes away, so it was nice to read this again and rekindle the good memories.  (Click each page to enlarge) 

Letter From My Grandma Rice

Recently my mother found a letter that I had received from my Grandma Rice back in 1969.


I took these pics with my camera, but will have to scan these two pages later so I can share them.





My grandmother lived with us for about three years while she was being treated for cancer.  I had forgotten that she went to live in TN with Aunt Louise for a time, and while there she wrote me this letter.

memories of school days in the past

School photo from Fall 1962  

Cindy Lee Baggett

8 years old