PAULETTE NORRIS FRANKLIN

Paulette Norris Franklin, 75, of Hueytown, Alabama, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Born June 4,1949, in Bessemer, Alabama, Paulette was raised in Alliance and graduated from Oak Grove High School. It was there that she met the love of her life, Douglas Franklin. If there was one thing everyone knew about Paulette, it was that she was forever smitten with her high school sweetheart. She never hesitated to express her deep love and admiration for him. After nearly 20 years of dedicated service at BellSouth Telecommunications, Paulette found her true calling at Crossroad Baptist Church, where she devoted nearly 40 years of her life to serving the Lord. Her contributions were countless—teaching preschool and children’s classes, caring for infants in the nursery, singing in the choir, cooking and serving meals, and most recently, serving alongside Douglas as Director of the Senior Adults group. Paulette’s life was filled with simple joys: camping with Douglas in their RV, sharing meals with family and friends, and embracing any occasion that involved her church, loved ones, and dessert. However, her greatest legacy was her unwavering support for those going through difficult times. Paulette had a rare gift for offering comfort during life’s most challenging moments, walking alongside friends and family through grief, illness, and hardship. Her presence was a rock for many, a source of strength that guided them through their darkest days. Those who knew Paulette will remember her as a woman who never parted ways without a hug or ended a conversation without an “I love you.” Above all, she was most proud of the family she and Douglas built together. God and family was everything to Paulette. Paulette’s memory will forever be treasured by her devoted husband of 54 years, Douglas Eugene Franklin; children, Amanda Stone (Jason), Kevin Franklin (Amanda); grandchildren, Tyler, Jacob and Caleb Stone, Kaylee and Davis Franklin; siblings, Jan Evans, Ceci Booth, and Sonny Norris (Sadie); and a multitude of dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maultie and Pauline Norris and her brother, J.L. Norris. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Crossroad Baptist Church Senior Adult Department (Hueytown, Alabama). The family will receive guests from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, Monday, August 12, 2024, at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home in Hueytown, Alabama. A celebration of Paulette’s life will be held at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens in Bessemer.