George Franklin Obituary

George Terrell ("Terry") Franklin was born in Summit, NJ, on January 25, 1949, to George Warren Franklin and Laura Anthony Franklin. Terry was the eldest of three siblings. He attracted friends easily with his fun-loving personality. His parents were determined that he would be the first generation to attend college. Terry received his B.A. from Lincoln University in Chester County, PA and his M.B.A. from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. He could be found on the kickball, soccer and baseball (go Mets!) fields or basketball court. Terry played the trumpet in the band on the football field and the piano in church. He built his career in finance at Union Carbide, Crestmont Bank, AT&T, followed by his personal tax practice. But he found his true calling in the field of education at Walter O. Krumbiegel Middle School in Hillside, NJ. Terry retired from the New Jersey Department of Education in 2011. He enjoyed playing piano and directing choirs at several local churches for Sunday worship services, including his home church, Antioch Baptist in Springfield, NJ, Pilgrim Baptist Church in Summit, NJ and Metropolitan Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ.

In 1991, Terry married the love of his life, Janet Johnson Franklin. In his post-retirement years, Terry and Janet welcomed Allen and Najah Johnson Franklin into their family, and in 2014 they relocated to Dover, Delaware where they connected with new and old friends. Terry enjoyed spending time with the Geezers' Club, exercising at Pivot and Dover's Modern Maturity Center, and mentoring elementary and middle school students. While in Delaware, Terry played for local churches and started attending Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses. One of his greatest pleasures was to routinely give Janet a bouquet of roses.

Terry is survived by his wife, Janet; sons, Terrence, Jonathan and Allen; daughter, Najah; grandchildren, Tristan and Jamison; sisters, Sherri and Gwen Franklin, nephew, Kahlil Daniel; and a host of friends and family. George Terrell ("Terry") Franklin transitioned the morning of July 20, 2025. We will always remember his determination, kindhearted nature and laughter.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 11 AM to 12 PM in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main Street in Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 12 PM. Burial will follow in Old Drawyers Cemetery in Odessa, Delaware.