Rashonna Franklin

Obituary of Rashonna Lynn Franklin

Rashonna Lynn Franklin, 48 departed this life on September 14, 2023 from complications of multiple myeloma. During her fight with this cancer, she shared her journey with others through her support group on Facebook. Her main focus was to encourage and give hope to others going through similar journeys. She wanted them to know they were not alone. Rashonna Lynn Brown Franklin was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on December 21, 1974. She was raised by her loving mom, Ruth Brewer and father, Desi Brewer. Rashonna received her early education in the Indianapolis Public Schools. Rashonna graduated from Arlington High School in 1993. While attending Arlington, she joined a musical group called the Chamber Singers. Under the leadership of its director, Don Robb, she propelled her vocal talents to a stellar level. Mr. Robb realized what special talent he was working with and challenged her with classical pieces. She, at first, had no interest in Opera, but she eventually came to love it. Traveling to Russia with the Chamber Singers, at the end of her senior year, was the ultimate ending to her high school experience. After graduating from Arlington High School, she attended Kentucky State University. She was a member of the concert choir directed by Dr. Carl H. Smith. As well as the concert choir, she also participated in Opera Theatre Workshop, directed by Andrew Smith. She was a featured soloist in productions "Porgy and Bess" and "Queen of the Night." Because of her outstanding work, she was given the opportunity to audition for The Met. She also belonged to R&B musical groups, that sometimes opened up for other acts. She loved all types of music. After leaving Kentucky State she returned to Indianapolis and worked for companies such as Hartford, All State, Charles Swabb, Duke Energy. She was last employed by Work One, where she was one of the managers. Although they followed different paths after high school, she reunited with fellow Chamber Singer choir member and friend John Franklin. They were married on September 25, 2016. She was a devoted wife, who knew her husband's dreams and his full potential. Through her hard work, she made sure she had a plan in place for him to be successful. Together she helped him build his business, Hoppin John's Catering. He was by her side through her journey of her fighting multiple myeloma, until the end. Rashonna's children were her life. She put their needs before her own. She wanted only the best for each of them. She knew the strengths in each and did her best to guide them toward success . She wouldn't hesitate letting them know when they had gotten on the wrong path, then redirect them. One of the most valuable lessons she taught them was in May of 2021. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts Degree from Martin University. Despite being in pain and finding it difficult to walk, she walked across the stage without aid to receive her diploma. She taught them when you persevere you can accomplish your goals. This made her more determined to go back to school to get a masters. Rashonna finished her goal. She earned her Masters Degree in community psychology from Martin University. Rashonna was a devoted and loving daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. When family or friends needed her for any reason, she was there; despite her own circumstances. She always found some ways to help. She leaves to cherish in her memory: Husband: John T. Franklin III; Parents: Ruth and Desi Brewer; Children: DiMari Jones, DeAndre Brashear, DiChena Brown, John T. Franklin IV, Brenda Rowe, Christin Franklin, Mackenzi Franklin; Brothers: Randall Payton, Desi Jr., Michael Sullivan-Tibbs; Sisters: Regina(Eric) Young, Twana (Mark) Hite, Barbara Brewer; Mother in law: Beverly Franklin; Special Uncle: George (Mary) Brown; Special Aunt: Hazel (William) Brinkley; Trusty Dog: Kane; A host of other aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends. She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Marie Brown. The family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, calls, texts, donations and acts of kindness sent during her illness. Visitation 10:00 am - 11:00 pm Saturday, September 30, 2023 Indiana State Capital 200 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana, United States 46204 Funeral Services 11:00 am Saturday, September 30, 2023 Indiana State Capital 200 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana, United States 46204 Entombment 12:30 pm Saturday, September 30, 2023 Crown Hill Cemetery 700 West Thirty-Eighth Street Indianapolis, Indiana, United States 46208
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