Mrs. Franklin's Obituary
Posted Tuesday, February 1, 2011 09:25 AM

Imogene Gabbert Franklin

Imogene Gabbert Franklin was born in Hill Oklahoma to Erastus Malone Gabbert and Myra Eva Williams Gabbert, on October 15th, 1916. She went to be with the Lord and her loved ones January 28th, 2011, at the age of 94 years.

Raised in Texas and Oklahoma, she met the love of her life, Robert E. (Bob) Franklin in 1933. They were married in Oklahoma City in 1934 and celebrated 60 years of marriage just prior to Bob’s death in 1994.

She was the youngest of eight children and lost her mother at age 11. Having grown up during the depression she had a keen sense of frugality and family. For the rest of her life, her family was her number one priority. Though her formal education ended at high school, the school of hard knocks taught her to be a very good business woman.

After marrying Bob, who was employed by the Federal Government, they moved several times early in their marriage. Daughter, Myra Gene and son, Robert Howard were born in Oklahoma. In 1944, Bob was transferred to Lake Jackson. Having moved so many times in her life, the security of living in and being part of this fledgling community gave her a feeling of belonging. To that end she and Bob set about making a difference in their new home. She was among the founding members of the First Methodist Church, Eastern Star, American Cancer Society, and the Pink Ladies, but was also the wind beneath Bob’s wings in the formation of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, the J.C.’s, the First National Bank and several other community organizations.

Her sense of community and family during the formative years of Lake Jackson is immeasurable. Their third child, George Owen was born in Lake Jackson. In 1951, Bob was once again to be transferred, she said “no”. It would be hard to imagine anyone loving a family more than she. Both she and Bob were there for every family member in time of crisis or celebration. She was beloved by her family. As a product of the Great Depression, she wanted to give a better life to all of them.

The enormous success of Bob’s new career as an insurance agent was owed in great part to Gene. She began selling Wearever cookware to supplement the family income and Bob’s new business. She was the top salesperson for the entire country in the early 50’s. She used to brag that she made more money than Bob one year. Cooking with Wearever has become a family tradition. Her fierce loyalty and pride in State Farm Insurance helped create a family legacy. Both sons, a grandson and two granddaughters have worked for State Farm. She was the power behind the throne and continuously promoted the family business.

Her church was the cornerstone of her life, and she and Bob served in virtually every needed function. To her dying day, her church pledge was paid before any other bills.

She was a lady of character, loyalty and commitment. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, community leader, church leader and dear friend. She is already missed and will continue to be missed by her family, her church and her community.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert E. Franklin; her daughter, Myra Gene Hearn; son, Robert H. Franklin; and son-in-law, Harry T. Hearn.

She is survived by son, George O. Franklin; two daughters-in-law; ten grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren (and one on the way); six step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons David M. Hearn, James R. Franklin, John Elliott Franklin and Owen P. Franklin.

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church of Lake Jackson, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the First United Methodist Church, 404 Azalea, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by the Turner family at Lakewood Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to freeport lakewoodfuneral