Kearlyn Kelly-Franklin

Kearlyn Kelly Franklin was born November 2, 1954, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the third of four children of Orsban Kelly and Eliza Billups Kelly. She graduated from Wenonah High School in Birmingham in 1973 and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Troy State University.

Kearlyn was a civil servant employed in numerous federal and state positions, including those at U.S. Customs, the State of California, the Veterans Administration, and the U.S. Treasury Department.

At an early age, Kearlyn joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Birmingham. She continued attending church in California. She was a member of several social clubs, including the Red Hat Society. She loved yoga, water aerobics, and silver sneakers. 

Kearlyn was adventurous and had an insatiable appetite for travel. She could often be found with her daughter Ashley, watching sunrises across the coasts of California, from Coronado Island to San Francisco to Santa Barbara. 

She was selfless, compassionate, considerate, and someone many admired. A mother to all she met, she lived her life constantly putting others before herself and always looking out for loved ones. 

Although she could be considered quiet at first impression, Kearlyn had a tremendous sense of humor, often catching friends and family off guard with her wit and charm. Her laugh was contagious, and her mere presence could energize and comfort all she met. Never anything ever but kind, you couldn’t help but smile when you were with her as she brought joy into everyone’s hearts.

She will be remembered for her kind personality, genuine love of people, and commitment to caring for those around her.

She leaves joy and laughter in the hearts of those who were graced by her presence. These memories will live in the hearts of her friends and family:

John Franklin, Birmingham, Alabama; Ashley Franklin (Billy), New York, New York; Sheron Parker (James), Mobile, Alabama; Alvin Kelly (Sandra), Augusta, Georgia; Yolanda Thomas (Rodney); Kristen Hall(Jerome); Eric Kelly; Alexis Kelly, Kelvin Kelly, Kimberly Thomas, Courtney Thomas (Zac), Marsha Louis, and Madalyn Tirado-Louis. 

Please join us in celebrating her life on Monday, February 10, 2025, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn, 21300 Via Verde St., Covina, CA 91724.