Obituary for Diane Barton Franklin
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Diane Barton Franklin, age 60, of Warsaw. Diane passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Myrtle Louise Bussells Barton and the late William Muriel Barton, Sr. She was the beloved wife of Robert Gene Franklin, Sr. Diane was retired from her position as Training Coordinator at the Haynesville Correctional Facility, a position she held after many years of covering local news stories for the Northern Neck News. She was a member of Totuskey Baptist Church, the Northumberland Historic Society, and the Northern Neck Historical Society.
A creative and intelligent woman, Diane had many interests and passions, but nothing approached the devotion and pride she had for her family. Their many accomplishments were her pride and joy. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed a remarkable bond with each of them.
A lifelong resident of the Northern Neck, Diane really enjoyed the water, especially fishing. She loved flowers and grew many in her yard and garden. She learned to sew in retirement and really enjoyed working with fabric. A gifted singer, she served as the choir director at Totuskey. Perhaps one of Diane’s greatest interests, though, was history and genealogy. An avid researcher, Diane delved deep into archives to piece together the family history of her and Robert’s ancestors, thus leaving a wonderful legacy for their descendants. She researched, set up, and curated the history room at Totuskey Baptist Church and many of the historic photos she found are displayed there with other archival material related to the church and its members.
Left to cherish Diane’s memory are her mother, Louise; Robert, her husband of 39 years; her sons Dr. Robert G. Franklin, Jr. (Rebecca) and Jordan M. Franklin (Madeline); her grandchildren: Zoe, Rose, Carson, and Jacob; her brother William “Billy” Barton (Penny); numerous dear in-laws; nieces and nephews; and loads of loving friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Diane will be missed by all of them. She was predeceased by her father William.
A funeral service will be held for Diane at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Totuskey Baptist Church. The Reverend David Dunaway and the Reverend Danny Maupin will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and Diane will be laid to rest near her father following the service in the family plot at Farnham Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Diane’s loving memory to the Richmond County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1371 Warsaw VA, 22572 or to the Northern Neck Historical Society P.O. Box 716 Montross VA, 22572
A creative and intelligent woman, Diane had many interests and passions, but nothing approached the devotion and pride she had for her family. Their many accomplishments were her pride and joy. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed a remarkable bond with each of them.
A lifelong resident of the Northern Neck, Diane really enjoyed the water, especially fishing. She loved flowers and grew many in her yard and garden. She learned to sew in retirement and really enjoyed working with fabric. A gifted singer, she served as the choir director at Totuskey. Perhaps one of Diane’s greatest interests, though, was history and genealogy. An avid researcher, Diane delved deep into archives to piece together the family history of her and Robert’s ancestors, thus leaving a wonderful legacy for their descendants. She researched, set up, and curated the history room at Totuskey Baptist Church and many of the historic photos she found are displayed there with other archival material related to the church and its members.
Left to cherish Diane’s memory are her mother, Louise; Robert, her husband of 39 years; her sons Dr. Robert G. Franklin, Jr. (Rebecca) and Jordan M. Franklin (Madeline); her grandchildren: Zoe, Rose, Carson, and Jacob; her brother William “Billy” Barton (Penny); numerous dear in-laws; nieces and nephews; and loads of loving friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Diane will be missed by all of them. She was predeceased by her father William.
A funeral service will be held for Diane at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Totuskey Baptist Church. The Reverend David Dunaway and the Reverend Danny Maupin will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and Diane will be laid to rest near her father following the service in the family plot at Farnham Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Diane’s loving memory to the Richmond County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1371 Warsaw VA, 22572 or to the Northern Neck Historical Society P.O. Box 716 Montross VA, 22572