Funeral service celebrating the life of Ms. Gracie Lavernne Franklin, 79, of Dry Prong, LA will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 12, 2020 in the chapel of Griffin Funeral Home, 911 Warren Drive, West Monroe, LA, with Scott Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at Chase Cemetery, under the direction of Griffin Funeral Home. Family will receive friends for visitation 9:00 A.M., until time of service at the funeral home. Gracie was born September 3, 1941 in Crowville, LA and peacefully passed away September 9, 2020 at her home in Dry Prong, LA. She is preceded in death by her husband, Homer Carey Franklin; father, James Edward Benson Hedgepeth; mother, Julie Ann Oser Taylor; daughter, Scarlett Tipton; brother, Samuel Rex Hedgepeth; sisters, Juanita Thompson, and Linda Saylors; and great grandson, “Little Jammy” Franklin. Gracie was a loving mother to all, even though those that were not her children. She believed in helping and taking care of family and friends. Never one to let anyone go hungry or homeless, her door was always open. She was well known for her love of cooking, always believed a good cup of hot coffee, and a plate of warm food could bring comfort to anyone. She loved beautiful flowers and enjoyed planting them in her free time. Gracie was a sweet but fiercely feisty woman. Everyone knew they could always count on her to speak her mind. And watch out for those flipflops……many of us caught the receiving end of them when we stepped out of line! Though she was stern at times, she will be remembered most for her quick wit and loving nature. She will be greatly missed by everyone. Those left behind to cherish her memories are, her daughter, Judy Briggs and husband, Anthony; son, Michael Tipton; six grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Calhoun; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Pallbearers will be son-in-law, Anthony Brigg; and her grandson’s, James Franklin, Michael Lowery, Dustin Lowery, Dylan Briggs, and Christopher Lowery. Griffin Funeral Home West Monroe, LA