Juanita (Nita) Tackett Franklin, was born December 7, 1942, and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 21, 2024, both in Ft. Worth, Texas, at age 82.
Nita was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Edward Franklin, Jr.; son, John Franklin; parents, Dan and Berta Tackett; father-&-mother-in-law, Louie and Ella Gene Franklin, Sr.; sister and brother-in-Law, Suzie & Ken Roddy; and brother, Charles Tackett. She is survived by her son Joe & daughter-in-law Cindy Franklin; daughter-in-law Penny & husband Alan Finch; grandchildren, Jacob Franklin & wife Jasmine, Jordan Franklin, and J.P. Franklin; sister-in-law Mary Gene & husband Glenn Sanderson; sister-in-law Karen Tackett; nieces Dana Shipp & husband Gary, Julie Roddy, Tamara Paul & husband Daniel; nephews Steve Roddy & wife Jenni, Chris Daniell & wife Stefani, Brian Daniell & wife Stacey, Tom Tackett & wife Michelle, David Roddy, Matt Daniell & wife Tori, great-granddaughter Kailani, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Nita graduated from Burleson High School in 1961. She studied at Brantley-Draughon Business College, where she and Louie met. They wed at the First Baptist Church of Burleson, where she had given her life to Christ several years prior, on April 11, 1964, and celebrated over 56 years of marriage. She worked at Alcon Laboratories, leaving the paid workforce to raise her two sons and maintain the home. She was a lifelong resident of Tarrant County, save for a few years of retirement in Brownwood, before returning to the DFW Metroplex.
Nita was a member of Cross Church in North Richland Hills, where she and Louie raised their family. She served in many capacities over the years, most recently in the donut shop, ordering and picking up donuts each week. Louie and Nita particularly loved serving with Cornerstone Assistance Network. Over their married life, Louie & Nita were blessed with wonderful local church families including Haltom Road Baptist, North Richland Hills Baptist, First Baptist Hurst, and Coggin Avenue Baptist before returning to Cross Church.
Nita enjoyed playing the dulcimer in a bluegrass band with Louie and friends at Sunday School parties, church events, nursing homes, and festivals. They entertained at intermission for several years at the Greater Fort Worth Christmas Pageant. She had a beautiful soprano voice and sang in church choirs for many years. After Louie’s death, Nita enjoyed several hobbies, making wonderful friends wherever she was. These included volunteering at the Link in Richland Hills and at the North Richland Hills Senior Center. Her favorite activity during this time was being a part of the Prayer Quilt Ministry at Eagle’s View Church, where she and many talented friends made quilts to give to people in times of duress and loss.
A celebration of life service will be held at Cross Church at a date to be determined after the first of the year. Those who wish to remember Nita are encouraged to make gifts in her memory to Cornerstone Assistance Network, 3500 Noble Ave, Ft Worth, Tx 76111.
