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Obituary For Dollie Mae Lewis Franklin
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ms. Dollie Mae Lewis Franklin.
Ms. Dollie Mae Lewis Franklin, a retired educator and child of God, passed away at the age of 84, on Monday, July 14, 2025. Ms. Franklin was born December 24, 1940 to the late Stella Mae Lewis and the late Thomas Jefferson Williams in Wakulla County. She graduated from the original (old) Lincoln High School in 1960, with honors. She was member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee.
Ms. Franklin also graduated from FAMU, College of Arts and Sciences, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Social Welfare, later earning her Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Guidance and Counseling. In 1972, she completed her studies at FSU with a second master’s—a Master’s in Social Work (MSW), focusing on counseling.
She was selected and inducted into of the Delta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated. Ms. Franklin fostered continuing education for family demonstrated the importance of leading a Christ-driven life.
Ms. Franklin retired from the Florida Department of Labor—now, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), holding various positions, including serving in the capacity as Operations Management Consultant, Labor Employment Trainer, and Counseling Manager for the state of Florida.
Dollie leaves behind to cherish the memories of her love, support, and devotion, one daughter, Dr. Yolanda J. Franklin of Navaho Nation, Arizona; one son, Oscar V. Franklin of Belcamp, MD; a devoted grandson, Jeffrey K. McLendon, II of Ft. Worth, TX; a loving granddaughter, Brittany R. McLendon of Tulsa, OK; a devoted sister, Martha J. Bruce; a dedicated brother, Michael A. James (Sheila); brothers, Wilbur James (Sondra) of Los Angelas, CA; and Judge Mckinzie; sisters, Joetta McMillan of Melbourne; and Linda Robinson of Tampa; an uncle, WWII Veteran Joseph Williams; a devoted cousin, Virginia M. Herring (Morris) and her family, Wilbert Watkins, Gregory Herring, Kiwanis Dickey, Angela Herring-Hilliard; niece and grandnephew, Lauren M. James and London McGuire, respectively; a bonus son, Georgios Antonopoulos of Belcamp, MD/Hanover, Germany; a bonus daughter, LaEsha Jones of Houston, TX; a very close, lifetime friend and confidant, Dr. Jessie D. Pottsdamer of Atlanta, GA and her children Gina and Vinita Pottsdamer; and host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 25, 2025 at Bethel M.B. Church. AKA's Ivy Beyond the Wall Service will be 6:00 P.M. Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Strong & Jones Chapel.
On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Ms. Dollie Mae Lewis Franklin.
Funeral Service may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/4870133.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the FAMU Foundation, 625 E. Tennessee St. # STE 100, Tallahassee, FL. 32308 (850) 412-5755.
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wallace woods sent Beautiful Dreams for Dollie Mae Lewis Franklin - July 23, 2025
FreddieWoods sent Red and White Floor Basket for Dollie Mae Lewis Franklin - July 22, 2025
VanceMorris planted 5 trees in memory of Dollie Mae Lewis Franklin . - July 22, 2025
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So sorry to hear of your passing Ms Dollies the time I spent taking care of you and getting to know you I'm thankful for! My prayers goes out to the Family Mr Oscar stay strong!
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Ms. Franklin was so kind. She baked the best cookies. Take your rest, ma'am. You lived a good, good life.
I Met Ms. "Dollie Madison" ( smile) in 2005 after i got back from Los Angeles and after a short stint in the FAMU Registrar's Office, under Mr. Michael A. James, a former SBI classmate.
I started working as a SBI Academic Advisor under Late Dr. Dorothy Henderson and Dr. Lisa Lang and Mr. Mickey Clayton in the School of General Studies in the Freshman/Sophomore Experience. Dollie was an very experienced Advisor that freely shared her immense experience with everyone. She was great like a caring third grade teacher that gladly step in and help the the Advisors.
However, it was not until one day she brought some baked some extremely beautiful and tasty cookies to work that we dubbed her Dollie Madison and started to request the cookies and cakes on a regular basis.
Dollie was a child of God and did not hesitate to share what our Lord and savior Jesus Christ ( Yeshua ) has done for her.
Dollie was one of Michael's greatest kept secrets.(Smile) We found out later that Michael was her Baby Brother. She spoke very proudly of Michael. She spoke of her other siblings, but especially Michael.
God Bless Dollie and God Bless family
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Missing you
May GOD comfort you at this time LOVE you my Big Sister
May GOD comfort at this time, miss you my Big Sister
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Going to miss you big Sister and Sending Prays and comforting to family
Going to miss you big Sister and Sending Prays and comforting to family
In Loving Memory of Ms. Dollie Mae Lewis Franklin. It was a great and esteemed honor to have met Ms. Dollie. Dollie and I worked together at the former Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security in Tallahassee, Florida, many years ago. Her kindness, love, and strength touched so many lives. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit and love lives on in our hearts forever. May we find comfort in her memories and peace in knowing she is now resting in eternal love with Our Heavenly Father.
With Heartfelt Sympathy, I remember her beautiful life. Rest In Paradise Ms. Dollie.
Felicia Austin Jackson Jacksonville, Florida
My deepest sympathy to Yolanda, Oscar and the entire family. Mrs. Franklin will be missed.
Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers during this diffcult time. May God give you strength and comfort during this time.
May you hold on to those wonderful memories in your heart and find comfort to face the days ahead!
Rest in God's Arms my sister and my Dearest Friend.you will remain in my heart. Precious Memories how they will linger.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
