Mr. Edward "Frank" Franklin

With heartfelt sympathy, Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., and members of the Franklin family announce the passing of Mr. Edward “Frank” Franklin of Darlington, SC. Mr. Franklin transitioned on Friday, October 3, 2025, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC, following an illness.

Public viewing will be held 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Friday, October 17, 2025, at Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., 612 S Main St, Darlington, SC.

Funeral service with military honors will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St Matthew’s United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, 102 Sallie St, Darlington, SC.

Obituary

     Edward “Frank” Franklin was born on July 15, 1947, to the late Elder Sylvester Franklin and Annie Mae Grant. He grew up in St. Albans Queens NY, where his father served as the founder and pastor of the Apostolic Temple of Jesus Christ. Surrounded by faith, family, and community, Edward developed an early sense of humility and discipline that would guide him throughout his life.

     “Frank” attended Andrew Jackson High School in Cambria Heights, Queens NY.   “Frank” was a serviceman who enlisted in the United States Army from 1965-1971. While serving, he received several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14), and the Purple Heart.

      While in New York, “Frank” was employed with Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, NY.

He was employed at the Dorn VA Hospital, Brooklin, NY. Later he made his home in SC where his last employment was with the SC Department of Agriculture as a Mortgage Counselor. 

      “Frank” was a member Redeemer Pentecostal Church, Darlington, SC for over 20 years under the leadership of Bishop James Carroll. He later worshipped with his wife at St. Matthew United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, Darlington, SC.

      Outside of his service, “Frank” was a man of many talents. A lover of music, in his earlier years he was a member of a neighborhood singing group called The Vibes, which recorded an in-studio demo. 

      He was united in marriage to the late Denise Kyer and to this union three children were born: Lateef Franklin, LaToya Franklin and Chantal Franklin. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Chantal.  

      On August 8, 1998, he was united in marriage to Jacqueline Smalls Franklin. Above all, Edward’s greatest devotion was to his marriage. He viewed love not as a fleeting emotion but as a sacred partnership built on trust, patience, and mutual respect. His dedication to Jacqueline was unwavering; she was his anchor, his confidant, and the center of his world. To those who witnessed their bond, it was clear that Edward’s deepest sense of purpose was found in being a husband — steady, protective, and true.

     “Frank” was preceded in death by:  his beloved sister, Sung-Hee Michelle Franklin.

     Those left to cherish his memory are:  his devoted and loving wife of 28 years, Jacqueline S. Franklin of the home; two children: Lateef Franklin of Bronx, NY and LaToya Franklin of Jersey City, NJ; two step-children: Lashonda Clark of High Point, NC and Jayson Foster of Bronx, NY; nine grandchildren: LaDasia, Lana, Paris, Peyton, Curtis, Jontae, Jacquan,  Essence, Jaylessa; two great grandchildren: Malayah and Olivia; two sisters-in-law: Ethel Slawski and Veronica (Clinton) Gary; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other cherished family and friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Edward "Frank" Franklin in your thoughts and prayers.

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