Shirley Gail (Thomas) Franklin, a loving mother, grandmother and friend, passed away Saturday morning September 26, 2020 after a lengthy illness.

She was the youngest of six sisters born to the late Arthur and Nellie Thomas December 3, 1938.

She was employed as a custodian at Cobett Jr. High School and studied for and took the police exam.  She was third in the police academy out of 150 and was the first African American woman police officer for the Lynn Police Department.

One her greatest accomplishments was being a foster mother to many.  Shirley was also voted Mother of The Year in 1974.  She was hard but very fair, and a hard worker who paved the way for many.  She loved children, animals and traveling.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Benjamin Franklin, her sisters: Evelyn Randolph, Margaret Clements, Esther Fowler, June Brown, Elizabeth Thomas and Mary Fairhurst.

She is survived by her family, her son James Franklin of Lynn, daughter Nelloue Franklin of Lynn, Grandson Keron Franklin of Lynn, son Kevin Franklin and wife Linnette of Houston, TX, daughter Tracey and husband Earl Wilson,  5 more grandchildren, Earl Wilson III, Tahlia Wilson, Terrence Wilson, Khristian Hudnall, Nelvani Franklin, 6 Great grandchildren, Jaylen Wilson, Daniel Coburn Jr., Keron Franklin Jr., Izaya Franklin, Mason Franklin, Serenity Franklin and a host of nieces, nephews and extended Family and friends.

Her funeral service will be held in the Goodrich Funeral Home, 128 Washington Street, Lynn on Wednesday at 11:00 followed by burial in Pine Grove Cemetery.  Visitation is Tuesday, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.