Sharon Kay Franklin

DIXON- Sharon K. Franklin 71, of Dixon passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at her home after a lengthy battle with cancer. 

Sharon was born on April 22, 1946 in Princeton, IL, the daughter of William and Freida (Hollaway) Anderson.  She married William “Bill” Franklin on October 19, 1974 in Princeton, IL.

Surviving is her husband, Bill; son, Michael W. Franklin of Winnebago; daughter-in-law, Michole L. Franklin of Winnebago; grand-daughters, Gwendolyn and Alexandria Franklin of Winnebago; one niece, Sally (Anderson) Retz of Overland Park, KS; two nephews, Eric and Brian Davenport both of Paducah, KY; and several great nieces and nephews. 

Preceding her in death are her parents; and one brother, Davis Anderson. 

A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Social Work, Sharon had a love for helping people.  Her ultimate love was helping children.  Sharon was a Child Welfare Specialist for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois until she retired in 2011.  She was truly an advocate for children and nurtured and helped to counsel many throughout her years. 

When Sharon was not helping children, she loved spending time and traveling with her husband.  Sharon and Bill traveled every year for their anniversary to see the lighthouses along the Atlantic, Gulf Coast, and Great Lakes.  She flew for the very first time on their 25th wedding anniversary to Cape Cod, and Bill was truly the love of her life. 

Sharon was a fantastic mother and grandmother.  She loved to take her grand-daughters shopping any chance she got, and she loved buying gifts for others.  She grew up on a farm, and throughout life, she never lost the ethics and morals that she was taught. 

A true Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, Sharon loved to watch games.  She was a collector of lighthouses, Santa’s, and Faberge eggs.  She was very intelligent, and she could often be found playing math games to keep her mind healthy.  She also enjoyed handheld games, and loved to watch the Game Show Network.

Sharon will truly be missed by all those that knew her.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2017 from 12pm to the time of service.  A Celebration of life will be held immediately following the visitation at 1pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 1121 N. Galena Ave, Dixon, IL.  Burial will be in Prairie Repose Cemetery, Dover, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sharon’s honor to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.

Please visit www.chapelhilldixon.com to offer your condolences.  

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