On July 6, 1944 in Stringtown, MS, Irene Franklin was born to the late Charlie Twilley and Etta Brown Pendleton,

She received her education at Sylvester Pool School located in Stringtown, MS.  She confessed Christ at an early age at Pleasant Grove M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Otis Keith.  Later in life, she joined Jake's Chapel M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend C W Ray.  While there, she served faithfully as a Mother of the Church.  Also under the leadership of Reverend CW Ray, she later fellowshipped at Mt. Hebron MB Church located in Strike City, MS.  There she served faithfully as a Mother of the Church until her homegoing.

Irene was married to Bishop LC Franklin for over 62 years.  To this union, 7 children, one with 'Angel's wings' at birth, were born.

On June 6, 2026, God saw fit to call her home. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Ilando Franklin; daughter, Sylvia Franklin-Maxey; grandson, Clinton Hollins, Jr.; Sisters:  Josephine Williams, Earline Baker, Catherine Powell, Lillie Mae Freeman, Carrie Peacock, Virginia Brown, Etta Twilley and Sarah Howard; Brothers:  Stanley, Henry, Charlie, Eugene, Oliver, Clifford Twilley and Charles Pendleton.

Irene leaves to cherish her memories and continue her legacy: husband, Bishop LC Franklin of Greenville, MS; 5 loving children:  Dianna (Jessie) Williams of Leland, MS; Kenneth (Starla) of Dothan, AL; Tina Barnes of Clinton, MS; Matisse Franklin of Elva, AL; Titus Franklin (April) of Tuscaloosa, AL; 2 sisters:  Louise Jones of Saginaw, Michigan and Roberta Twilley of Birmingham, AL; 2 brothers:  Isaac (Mary Lou) Pendleton of Benoit, MS and GW Twilley of Birmingham, AL; 3 Sisters-in-law:  Rosie Burns and Essie B Franklin of Menifee, CA and Lela Franklin of Greenville, MS.

The ones who truly put a smile on her face and make her laugh, her 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.  She also leaves to cherish her memories a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Irene developed a close bond with several special friends through her life's journey:  Earnestine Harmon of Greenville, MS, who preceded her in death; life-long neighbor, Bobbie Brown of Greenville, MS; Carolyn Gardner of Greenville, MS and Shelly Wilbert of Hollandale, MS.