Oyra Maria Franklin

Oyra Maria Franklin, age 85, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2022.  Oyra was born on January 14, 1937, to Chauncey Jarrett and Jessie Theresa Simpson at Providence Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

  In 1954, she graduated from Bishop Noll High School in Hammond, Indiana and completed a one year business administration college program.  

Oyra met the love of her life, George Franklin on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953.  On June 16, 1956, they wed, and for the next 58 years they were devoted to one another.  They were blessed with their loving son, Mark who made his transition in 2007.  Oyra was a dedicated worker with only two jobs during her 46 years of employment.  She started her career working at the Social Security Office from 1957 to 1964.  In 1972, Oyra started working at the McCoy Barber College.  She worked there until 2011 when she made the important decision to retire to stay home and care for her ill husband, George, until he made his transition.

Oyra was a caring relative and genuine friend to many.  She was loyal, honest, and had no problem telling it like it was.  She was charismatic, funny, spunky, full of life and energetic.  Most of all, Oyra was spiritual and a believer of God.  She always expressed her gratitude for love, faith, and health.  She thanked God for all her blessings.  Oyra felt proud doing things God put her here for.  She was grateful to be a good wife and mother to the best of her ability.  She was grateful for her husband choosing her.  Oyra never wished for anything, because she felt she had it all !

Oyra was preceded in death by her mother and father, Jessie Theresa Simpson and Chauncey Jarrett; husband, George Ellis Franklin; son, Mark Franklin; and brothers, Richard Howell and Rolland Simpson.

She is survived by her two sisters-in-law, Susan Howell and Maria Rodriguez; and a host of nieces and nephews, along with many enduring friends.

Visitation Friday, February 18, 2022, 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. with Homegoing Services 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana. Elder Ron Cooper, officiating.  Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery.

ALL ATTENDEES MUST WEAR A MASK VACCINATED OR UNVACCINATED !

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