GRANDMA

Mary Ellen Buster (Franklin) was a wonderful Mother and Wife - she was only 49 years old when she passed away in 1931. She gave birth to and raised many children without ANY modern conveniences that we have today. She had no running water, no electricity, no washing machine (scrub boards) she was a very determined and resourceful lady. Her children were; John Prior (Jake / JP), Nellie, Essie & Bessie (twins), Nona, Lucy, Melvin James (Cotton) and George Frederick (Fred) and Infant William Franklin.

You may wonder how I could possibly know so much about her since I wasn't born until nearly 20 years after she died. Well, my mother Essie talked quite often about her mother and the love, kindness and love of God that she showed most of her life - Mary Ellen talked the talk - and walked the walk! She consistently put others before herself even when it was a hardship for her. You could say that Mary Ellen was my Mothers shelter during the tough times in her childhood. My mom told me that she would never have made it in life without her mother. When Mary Ellen left this world, it nearly killed my mother, Essie. It was a glorious day when my Mom was reunited with her mother and twin sister, Bessie in Heaven. Peace in the Valley . . .

I want everyone to know the type of person Mary Ellen Buster-Franklin was. She was a God trusting, faithful, kind, patient, caring and compassionate human being. Mary Ellen made my life so much better because of the things she taught my Mother, Essie. I experienced her compassion and kindness down through the generations, although I never met her.

I never knew you Grandma - but, yes I did - I felt and knew your love.

The things we do, and the actions we take in this life may make a profound difference in another person's life, although - we may never live to see it!

Matthew