Karen Franklin (nee Stevens), 59, of Moncks Corner, passed away on September 26, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Karen was the daughter of the late Newlin and Helen Stevens; loving wife of Robert Franklin Sr., mother to Samuel (Cathy) Townsend; stepmother to Rob Franklin and Staci Franklin. Dear grandmother to Michael, Samantha, Chrissy and Tyler. She grew up in Merchantville, NJ and graduated from Moorestown High School in 1975 and attended Embry Riddle University. In her younger years, she was the proud holder of small aircraft pilot license. Karen and her husband moved to Moncks Corner, SC in 2013, looking forward to a warmer climate for retirement. Karen quickly joined in the community, becoming a member of Smyrna United Methodist Church and the Pimlico Ladies Club. She and Bob were lucky to have terrific neighbors, Ann and Glenn; and, her family is incredibly grateful to the support they provided during her illness. Karen will be missed by many and remembered for her ability to make you laugh, her beautiful singing voice, and enchanting smile. Karen is survived by her husband of 15 years, Robert Franklin Sr.; son, Samuel Townsend; stepchildren, Rob Franklin and Staci Franklin; brother, Ken Stevens; sisters and brother in laws, Lynne and the Rt. Rev James Shand, Cheryl and John Barlow, Janet Stevens and Peter Burgess; her uncle Warren Stevens, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2015 from 6:00 pm â€" 8:00 pm at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445. Please contact the funeral home with any questions, 843-553-1151. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 11:00 am at Smyrna United Methodist Church. A burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted to www.mcalister-smith.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen’s memory to Smyrna United Methodist Church, 724 Cypress Garden Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
Contributor: Darlene Schlichte