Last updated on July 31, 2020
Rosemary L (Pancoast) Franklin was born September 8, 1927, in Framingham, MA. She grew up in Okmulgee, OK, where she graduated from high school in 1945. After graduation, Rosemary moved to Dallas, TX, and worked for over 25 years as a supervisor for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 1970. In 1960, she met the love of her life, Joe Franklin, and they married in 1961. They were married for 44 years until Joe’s death in 2005.
Rosemary loved music and was very talented. She had a beautiful voice and played the organ and the piano. At 13 years old, she was a Rainbow Girl. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years and served as Worthy Matron four times through those years. Her current Chapter is Royse City O.E.S #642. She was a founding member of the Friends of the Library in Rockwall and Royse City. Rosemary was proud to be a member of First United Methodist Church of Royse City since 1984, and had been very active in the Women’s Circle.
She loved Royse City and for many years had dedicated her time to driving elderly citizens to their doctor appointments. Rosemary enjoyed the Royse City Senior Center and truly appreciated the food and fellowship they provided. She proudly co-chaired the Royse Chamber of Commerce Yard of the Month Committee for many years in the early 1980’s. Rosemary was a lover of animals and was known to always help stray cats.
She is survived by her sister-in-law: June Pancoast; nephews: Robert Pancoast and wife Marsha, and Steven Pancoast and wife Dorothy; several great nieces and nephews; her loving “Adopted Family” – daughter: Margaret VerHagen; grandchildren: Derek VerHagen and wife Brigitte, and Drew and Sarah VerHagen; and great-grandchild: Jude VerHagen; daughter: Mary Johnson and husband Blair; and loving, faithful friends: Rexanne Gilliland and Lori Wright. She was preceded in death by her husband: Joe Franklin; her parents: J.T. and Laura Irene (Skelton) Pancoast; brother Jim T. Pancoast; and good friend: Geraldine Lynch.
Private services will be held at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Royse City Location. Interment will be in Okmulgee, OK. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Meals on Wheels Senior Services, 950 Williams Street, Building C, Rockwall, Texas 75087. https://rockwallmealsonwheels.org/donation/
