Sara Franklin
Sara Betty Wills Franklin was born on January 18, 1922 in West Grove, Pennsylvania, to Ena Longacre Hornsby and Bert Wilson Wills, Sr. and died in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, on November 30, 2024.
Betty grew up in Chattanooga, attended Missionary Ridge Elementary, Girls Preparatory School, and the University of Chattanooga where she met and married the love of her life, Weller Wilcox Franklin, Nov. 27, 1942.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Franklin Smith; siblings, Peggy Wills Marshall, Patricia Wills Puett, Dr. Bert Wills, Jr; husband, Weller Wilcox Franklin; grandson, David Franklin Wilson; son-in-law, Kenneth Wayne Smith.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Sara Franklin Wilson (Dr. James), adopted daughter, Johanne Dixon Albright; grandchildren, Dr. James Wilson, Jr (Erica), Laura Wilson Pappas (Michael), Dr. Russell Wilson (Louise), Kenneth Smith, Jr. (Cary), Patrick Smith; great grandchildren, Emma, Jack and Grace Wilson; Wilson (Hayley), Christopher, Nicholas and Patrick Pappas; Lila and Xaden Wilson; Weller and Paxton Smith, Jamie Williams; great great grandson, River James Pappas; her nieces and nephews, Ann Wills Marshall (Michael Hanke), Harrison Marshall, Beth Rambo, Bart Puett (Lynn), Becca Ott (Richard), Bert Wills III ( Nancy), David Wills (Amanda), Meg Evans ( Neal), John Franklin (Kim); cousins, Ana Maria and Walter Keating, Beth and Bob Lowe.
Betty was a woman of great faith. Her prayers were powerful. She treasured her lovely gardens in each of her homes. Betty cherished nature, dogs, art, music, books, travel and a good conversation. Genealogy and family history were her passion. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Colonial Dames, Junior League, Chi Omega sorority , Friday Study Club, First Families of Tennessee.
The family wishes to extend much gratitude to Dr. Terry Melvin, Kathy Higgins, Cocoa Billingsley, Danielle Grant, Amanda Thompson and Gentiva Hospice Care, Alexian Village, First Presbyterian Church and her many loving relatives and friends.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Little Brown Church 3301 Spring Avenue Walden, Tn. 37377 on Signal Mountain. Please wear a touch of blue or pearls in her honor. Casual dress. All friends are welcome.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in Betty’s name to Humane Educational Society, 4155 Randolph Circle, Chattanooga, Tn. 37406.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.