Kaye Franklin of Sulphur received from her Lord the crown of life on Nov. 3, having patiently endured a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer’s disease. Born Aug. 23, 1945, in Lake Charles, La., Mrs. Franklin was raised in Sulphur, La. She was a graduate of Sulphur High School and McNeese State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education and master’s degree in Counseling.

Mrs. Franklin spent her nearly 40-year career as a choir director, piano teacher, and music educator in the public-school system. After teaching briefly in Acadia Parish, she taught at Maplewood Elementary and Middle Schools, Sulphur High School, LeBlanc Middle School and Moss Bluff Middle School.

A dedicated advocate for music in public schools, Mrs. Franklin did not consider the many superior trophies at district and state choir competitions, nor the countless individual medals her students won, to be her greatest achievements. Instead, she believed her greatest accomplishment was developing, nurturing, and loving individual students—many of whom she considered to be like family. Although she also directed music ministries and children’s programs at several local churches through the years, she believed that her true ministry was to the students she so adored in her music classes at school.

Mrs. Franklin leaves behind a legacy of love and selfless service to others. She loved talking, asking thoughtful questions and spending time with people. A very compassionate person, she spent much of her life helping others—often behind the scenes and without a desire for public recognition. Mrs. Franklin was also deeply devoted to her family, spending most of her time after retirement enjoying her two grandsons.

Mrs. Franklin was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Ben L. Franklin; her parents, Clyde Sr. and Isabelle “Sis” Hook Eccles; and one brother, Clyde “Sonny” Eccles, Jr. She is survived by one son, Rev. Benjamin Franklin, and wife, Amanda; two grandsons, Benjamin Paul and Brooks Samuel Franklin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to give special thanks to her niece Cherié Eccles Nichols and husband Stacey for the untold hours of time spent visiting, caring for, and doing work on behalf of “Aunt Kaye.” The family also wishes to thank the staff at Chateau de Notre Dame Assisted Living and Vista Shores Memory Care in New Orleans for the dignity and care they have provided to Mrs. Franklin.

A long-time member of Glad Tidings Church in Lake Charles, and most recently St. Luke Assembly of God in New Orleans, the family requests that any memorial donations be made to Glad Tidings or St. Luke. 

The family will receive friends and family from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, and from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7, at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. The Rev. Benjamin Franklin and the Rev. Dr. Teresa Reiger will officiate. Interment will follow in Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.