Mrs. Blonnie Coleen Young Franklin, 96, of Icard, NC , passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Carolina Rehab Center of Burke, after a period of declining health.

What a wonderful 96 years she lived. Coleen was born on July 18, 1929, in Burke County to the late Marshall Young and Lela Cline Young. Loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. Coleen was a devout Christian and a member of First Baptist Church Icard. She was a well-loved and highly respected member of the community. Her joys other than her family were gardening, tending to her flowers, quilting, reading novels, working jigsaw puzzles, cooking, and baking as well as making clothes for daughters and granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Herman Charles Franklin, and four sisters, Murriel Young, Louise Icard, Alma Ogle and Ruth McRary, and one brother, Virgil Young.

She is survived by her five children; son, Ricky Franklin and wife Debbie of Maggie Valley; daughters, Elaine McClellan and husband Charles (deceased) of Conover, Rhonda Robinson and husband Donald of Asheville, Wanda Smith of Asheboro, and Jan Kelly and husband Michael of Williamston, SC. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Tina Younts (Eddie) of Maiden and Kelly Whitaker (Shane) of Climax, Scott McClellan (Haley) of Lincolnton, Jody Franklin (April) of Canton and Colton Kelly of Williamston, SC, thirteen great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

Mama, Grandma, Friend, you are dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April, 24, 2026 at 2:00 P.M., in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese, with Rev. Dr. Michael Pardue, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Rutherford College.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April, 24, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00, one hour prior to the service, at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church Icard.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Franklin family.