Bonnie Franklin Obituary

Bonnie Franklin

December 23, 2025

Bonnie Jean Franklin, beloved mother, wife, and cherished friend, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

She leaves behind two devoted sons, David and Eric Franklin (Trista). She was also a second mother to Valerie Charles Grant (Cameron), and a grandma to Frances and Coburn Grant. She is also survived by her sister, Darla Aleda Self and several nieces and nephews.

Bonnie was born in Greeneville, Tennessee, on November 12, 1942, to the late James Robert and Mamie (Yount) Marshall. From an early age, she displayed an extraordinary range of talents. She was a gifted baker and cook, an accomplished seamstress and textile artist, a skilled craftswoman and gardener, an animal lover, and a natural baby whisperer.

She married the love of her life, Paul Franklin, in 1962, and they shared a joyful marriage for more than 55 years. They were married on Christmas Day during a snowstorm so severe that the ceremony took place in the pastor's home; they simply didn't want to wait another day!

Bonnie had a rare and gentle gift: all living things seemed to flourish in her presence. Her garden thrived, her pets adored her, and her children felt her love every day. A true renaissance woman, much of her knowledge was self-taught. If you needed to know how to do something, you called Bonnie. She was Google before Google.

Her gift with children was especially profound, and she lovingly served as a trusted nanny to many families. The Siner, Donahue, and Charles families extend special gratitude for her care.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Franklin; her parents; her sisters, Anna Sue Roberts and Barbara Ruth Marshall; and her brother, James Robert Marshall Jr.

Family and friends will celebrate Bonnie's life privately.