Micah 6:8 NRSV

He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?

A life of service, a life of commitment, intention, love and justice all capture the spirit of Evangelist Virginia Franklin. Born October 6, 1934 to Charles and Daisy (Standifer) Stafford in Trenton, NJ, Evangelist Franklin valued family, community, and faith. She lived a life of love, humility, and justice until she departed this life on Dec 7, 2023 at Silver Lake Care center.

A Love for Learning & Service

Evangelist Franklin cultivated a love of learning at an early age, which would shape her passion for education and service. She was educated academically in Trenton Public School System, and spiritually at Grant Chapel AME church. If there was knowledge or skills necessary to deepen her walk with God, Evangelist Franklin humbly positioned herself to be a lifelong learner so that she could truly be a doer of the word.

Gifted with a beautiful voice, Evangelist Franklin would bless the Grant Chapel AME and greater Trenton community with her musical abilities. A student of the Trenton conservatory, she studied voice performance and directed the gospel chorus at Grant Chapel for many years building the reputation of a renowned soloist in the area. She also served as the President of the Women's Missionary Society at Grant Chapel. Additionally, Evangelist Franklin was a dedicated worker who took seriously the service of her work. She was employed by Baxter clothing factory for many years, Stangel Pottery, an also served as a CNA.

Do Justice

Naturally Evangelist Franklin would align with people passionate about faith and community in her life. Her marriage to the Rev. Dr. George G. Franklin would start a new chapter of her ministry focusing on truth, love, and justice. Together they would teach vacation bible school to the local kids in the Glassboro, NJ area and create project S.H.A.R.E. Their work didn't stop there, the couple went on a mission trip to Haiti, and Evangelist Franklin also served as the treasurer for the NJ Conference Department of Evangelism. She was also an active member of the minster's spouses in the Atlantic City district of the NJ annual conference, and organized the American Legion Auxiliary post 241 to help support the local men in the American legion. Evangelist Franklin served as an intercessor providing love, support, and resources to those overlooked the most.

A Legacy of Love

Known as a prayer warrior, she had a heart for seniors and young people, and would often open her home during the holidays to people. She was a no nonsense person, but she was very generous in her giving, and enjoyed traveling. While her time in this realm has come to an end, her spirit continues to speak and touch the lives of her family and various communities. She is preceded in death by her husband Rev. Dr. George G. Franklin. Her daughter Sharon D. Threats. She leaves to mourn her passing two daughters Shelley R. Eaddy (Florence, NJ) & Terry V. Lambright (Morrisville, Pa). A son Clenon R. Latimer (Zenobia) of Sewell, NJ. Three grandchildren Delilah S. Threats (Ewing, NJ)  , Jonah T. Lambright (Morrisville, PA) , and Aaron Latimer. One great grandson Jaylen C. Threats (Ewing, NJ). Three nieces she raised Brenda McAllister (deceased), Doreen Stafford (Williamsport, PA) and Lana Stafford of (Miami, Florida). A special son-in-love Thomas Lambright, and a god daughter Cynthia Berry.