Charleene Franklin

Charleene Franklin, 74, passed away on March 26, 2026. She was born on July 31, 1951, in South Dakota to James L. Johnson and Lena Lou Spotted Crow Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her father, James L. Johnson; her mother, Lena Lou Spotted Crow Johnson; her brothers, Abraham “Abe” Curry, Charles “Doc” Johnson, and Nathan “Buff” Johnson; her brother-in-law, Thomas Hopkins; Freddie “Hoghead” Franklin; her sisters, Sheila Johnson and Hilda Horse; her grandson, Floyd Avery Golden; her nephew, Rufus “Chief” Highhawk; and her parents-in-law, Maxine and James Justice.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Charles E. Franklin; her brothers, William “Buster” Curry and William “Bubba Red” Johnson; her sisters, Julia Hopkins and Charlotte “Miss Ann” (Edward) Hancock; her children, Floyd (Gypsi) Carter, Sabrina Chanhanpee Carter, Kevin (Isabel C.) Carter, and Troy (Melissa) Mason; her sisters-in-law, Betty Thomas and Sandy (Tony) Smith; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She also leaves behind her special friends, Donald Wilson and Mandell Reliford, along with numerous other family members and friends.

Minister Charleene Franklin was a devoted member of PCWE. She loved her family deeply and unconditionally. Known for her grace, strength, and outspoken spirit, she carried a fire within her that will continue to live on through all who knew her. She had a remarkable way of touching lives, leaving people better than she found them. A true warrior, she fought stage 4 cancer with courage and resilience. She was also an exceptional pool player in her younger years and a lifelong teacher of wisdom and life lessons. One of her favorite sayings was, “I love you, my baby.”

She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

Funeral Service 10a.m. Friday April 17, 2026 at Steel City Church. 1401 Jerry Murphy, 81001

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