Bertha Lee Franklin was born to the late Levon Franklin, Sr. and Josephine Franklin on June 13, 1945 in Merigold, MS. She was the third eldest of nin children. She confessed to Christ at an early age, belonging to Bright Star M.B. Church.

Bertha's earlier years included employment as a cook at the Cleveland High School in Cleveland, MS until her retirement. Bertha was a comedian, loved family gatherings, watching lifetime ,tuning in to football to see if the Cowboys would lose, spending time with her grandchildren, playing You-No (Uno), and loved to eat fish! Bertha had a special soul, to an extent that she would accept people as if they were her own and possessed a genuine spirit. She was a faithful member of the Bright Star M.B. Church under leadership of Pastor Derrick L. Fields where served on the mother board until her earthly departure.

On Saturday,  December 19th, Bertha went to be with her heavenly father. She is preceded in death by her parents, Levon, Sr. and Josephine franklin; her daughter, Eukeney Franklin; her siblings, Levon, Jr. and Percy Franklin.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Marilyn J. Franklin and Samford Franklin of Cleveland MS; her siblings, Annie Nash of Mound Bayou, MS, Josie Franklin of Merigold, MS, and Gloria Williams of Merigold, MS, Leon (Mary Alice) Franklin of Shaw, MS, Sylvester Franklin, Sr. of Mound Bayou, MS, Benjamin Franklin of Milwaukee, WI; her grandchildren, Shekenia Franklin, Mark Franklin, Shereka Franklin, Kenyon Adams, Jr., La' Darian Pleasant, and Samford Franklin, Jr., three great grandchildren, Colin Kelly, carter Kelly, Kenyon Adam III and one godchild Rina Hall; and a host of nieces, nephew, cousin, and friends.