Mary Magdalene Franklin

On July 17, 1939, Mary Magdalene was born to the late Gilbert and Elizabeth Martin Franklin, Madeline, as she was affectionately known, was blessed to be raised in a loving and Christian family. Madeline dedicated her life to be of service to Christ and received all the sacraments of the laity. Although she had no biological children of her own, Madeline was a parent to Andrea and grandparent to Marc, Markeisha and Jordan, and a godmother to many as well as nurturing other children throughout her community. She received her formal education at St. Augustine Catholic Elementary and New Roads High School and was a graduated of the Class of 1959. Following graduation, she pursued her college degree. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master's in Education from Southern University in Elementary Education. Her eagerness to learn never stop; therefore, she went on to acquired her 30+ after further studies at Louisiana State University with a concentration in Social Studies and Science. Her knowledge of science was noticed in the projects she and her students created. She has held teaching positions in both the Catholic and Public schools' systems in Pointe Coupee Parish. She was a retired educator after forty (40) + years of service and a member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed utilizing her God-gifted talents to help others. An active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church where she has served on various ministries but best known as the director of the Angelic Choir. She and her choir performed in many places throughout Louisiana, Texas and Milwaukee WI. Her love for children took her on so many Saturday trips to fair, movies and other events so that they could experience things outside of New Roads. Madeline was a charter member of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary Incorporated Infant Jesus of Prague Junior Daughters, St. Augustine Court #41 Ladies Auxiliary and Constance Butler Chapter 9 - 4th Degree Ladies of Grace. She served as an officer in different capacities to these organizations on a local, district and state level. Every year, she always looked forward to hosting the annual November Prayer Breakfast given for the 4th Degree Ladies of Grace members. She also was a member of the family and friends prayer group praying the rosary weekly. Throughout her life she was highly active in her community belonging to many civil and civic organization. A member of the NAACP where she worked tirelessly with drives for voter education registration; a member of the Father A.J. McKnight Louisiana Black Caucus; charter member of the John C. Aguillard American Legion Unit 560 serving as 1st Vice President and Veterans and Memorial Day Chairperson. She served as a past president for Community Center Carnival Club and chairman helping to create beautiful floats for the annual carnival parades; a sponsor of civic and social activities for many teenagers and young adults -involving them in beauty pageants, pageants for debutants and becoming outstanding young men; and a charter member of the Pointe Coupee Trailblazers Scholarship Fund awarding scholarships to deserving public high school graduating seniors in Pointe Coupee parish. At her leisure, she loved to cook and has always opened her doors to anyone for a delicious home cooked meal. Because of her love to cook she and her group of family and friends fed the hungry at the Bishop Ott Shelter at St. Vincent DePaul. She has never been at a loss for words or virtuous deeds. She spoke along with her group on the importance of giving and sharing at St. Vincent DePaul on the Catholic Life Channel hosted by CEO Michael J. Acaldo. She and her group received the Beacon of Light Ward given by the Bishop Ott Shelter. In her life, Madeline received numerous honors and awards from churches, civic and community organizations around New Roads and Baton Rouge including the Mayor's Award for outstanding achievement as a community helper. Mary Magdalene Franklin love for God, family and community was truly exemplified in her charitable gifts and heart for giving back to church and community. Magdalene leaves to cherish her loving memories her brother, Theodore Ralph Franklin and his wife Shirley; her cousin who she reared as her daughter, Andrea Farmer; her three grandchildren, Marc, Markeisha and Jordan; a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, godchildren, relatives and friends. Magdalene is preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Elizabeth Martin Franklin; brother; sister; aunts and uncles, nephew, cousins, other relative and friends. 

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