John P. Franklin Funeral Home

12/20/2025

12/20/2025

Cheryl Dyane Sanford Davis, 67, of Chattanooga, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in a local hospital.

A 1976 graduate of Howard High School, Cheryl also attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She was a faithful member of Warren Chapel AME Church and a dedicated worker at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Chattanooga, retiring after 28 years of service.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her grandmother, Fleta Jennings; her mother, Sarah Threats; her aunt, Dorothy Jennings; her uncles, Charles Davis and Neal Threats; and her great-niece, Jazzmyne Ashworth.

She leaves precious memories to her husband Franklin Davis; her father, Leroy Sanford; her son, Jermell Sanford; her daughter, Kandra (Steve) Wilber; her grandchildren, Kingston, Kami, and Skai; her sisters, Beverly (David) Hamler and Janis (Larry) McMillan; her cousin, Tony Jennings; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM, followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:00AM, at Warren Chapel AME Church located at 503 North Market Street.

Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.

12/20/2025

Robert Lewis Allen was born on March 19, 1950, in Chattanooga, TN, and was called to his eternal rest on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. He faced his closing earthly chapter with calm strength and determined faith. In his own words, he was simply waiting on Jesus, finding peace and hope in what lies beyond this mortal life.

Robert professed his belief in Christ at an early age. Currently attending Trinity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Steven L. Underwood until his health declined.

Robert had a gift for shaping words into meaning through writing theatrical plays and creating creative cards. Robert was special to his family as he was always humorous and always full of life, seeking out anything fun. He touched and brought much joy.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, father, Robert Lewis Allen, Sr., mother, Barbara Jean Chapman and stepmother, Louise Allen; maternal grandparents, Edward Chapmen and Louise Menifee and paternal grandparents, Abel and Eva Harkless Allen, step grandmother, Rose Alle; three brothers, Ronald Lewis Allen, Larry Lewis Allen, and Bobby Ward, Jr.; sister, Gloria Jean Allen Lacy.

Robert leaves behind treasuring precious memories his daughter, Cheryl R. Roberson; two granddaughters, Arlana and Arlissa Roberson; one great-granddaughter, Ma’Keri R. Jackson, all of Chattanooga, TN; brothers, Richard (Terry) Simpson, of McDonough, GA, Kenneth Allen of Charlotte, NC, Roger Ward, Edward Matthews, and Gregory Hamilton, of Chattanooga, TN; sisters, Winifred Allen-Cody (Freddie) and Gwenefred Allen-Williams (Dannie) all of Chattanooga, TN; uncles, Jimmy Allen (Fambo), Willie Lee Menifee, Darrell Menifee, Marvin Menifee, Fredrick Brown, all of Chattanooga, TN; aunts, Joyce Chapman, Gwendolyn Smith, Charlotte Brown, Alice Faye Turner, Willie Ruth Menifee, all of Chattanooga, TN; brother-in-law, Lee Andrew Lacy, Jr. of Chattanooga, TN; special niece, Dr. Gabriell (Tony) Lacy Collins and special cousins, the Allen girls, Vikki, Jennifer, and Valena; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed immediately by the funeral service at 12:00 PM, in the Chapel.

Interment: Highland Memorial Gardens

12/20/2025

Martha Jo Rawlings, age 76, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was born on October 9, 1949, and passed away on December 12, 2025.

Martha dedicated over 40 years of her life to working at the UTC Library, where her love for books, learning, and helping others touched countless lives. She retired in December 2012, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, kindness, and quiet devotion.

She had a deep love for reading and learning new things, and she found great joy in gardening, nurturing both plants and people with care. Martha especially loved working with children, always offering patience, encouragement, and warmth to those around her.

Martha loved the Lord, prayed daily, and was a faithful member of a Missionary Baptist Church, living her life guided by faith, humility, and compassion for others.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Annie Josephine Rawlings; her sister, Pattie Sue; and her brother, Duncan Rawlings.

She is survived by her son, Micah Rawlings; daughter, Christina Turner, sister Addie Rawlings; and her 11 beloved grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Martha Jo Rawlings will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and a abundance of love she gave so freely. She lived a life rooted in kindness, service, devotion, church, friends, and her community. Her love for learning, her patient heart with children, and her daily prayers leave a legacy that will continue to live on through all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she now rests in the loving arms of the Lord she served so faithfully.

Public viewing will be held from 2:00 pm 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at the funeral home. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am, followed by the interment at Highland Memorial Gardens.

12/20/2025

Louise Norris was born on September 24, 1949, in Beaufort, South Carolina, to the late Harold and Mary Scott. She was raised in Beaufort, where she spent her formative years surrounded by family, faith, and community.

Louise was a proud graduate of Robert Smalls High School, class of 68. From an early age, she demonstrated a quiet strength, kindness, and a deep love for those around her—qualities that remained with her throughout her life.

Louise received Christ at an early age. A woman of faith, Louise was a faithful and devoted member of Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, where she found spiritual grounding and fellowship. Her faith guided her daily life and her relationships with others.

Louise dedicated many years of service to Home Depot, where she worked diligently until her retirement. Beyond her professional life, she was actively involved in her community and was a proud member of The Red hats of Chattanooga, a women’s group that reflected her love for sisterhood and service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Scott and Mary Scott; her brothers, Harold Scott Jr. and Levi Scott; her sisters, Queen Di**le, Lila Barnes, and Iona Ferguson; and her beloved daughter, Melody Norris-Waller.

Louise will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who deeply loved her family and friends. She cherished spending time with those she loved, whether enjoying meals at her favorite restaurants, attending shows with friends, or traveling on cruises with her family—moments that brought her great joy and laughter.

Her warmth, compassion, and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Louise Norris leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories that will never be forgotten.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her loving son, Micheal Norris, five grandchildren, the lights of her life, Michael Norris, Jr., Christopher Ken Norris, Nia Norris, Brandyn Waller, and Bryce Waller; son-in -law Quinton Waller. She will be forever be remembered by her four sisters and one brother: Inez Diallo, Shirley Dawson, Lou Ethel Carmichael (William), Eleanor Logan, and Elijah Scott (Daisy), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, especially her longtime friends Mary Brooks and Harold Bush.

Public viewing will be held from 2:00 pm -6:00 pm on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in the funeral home chapel at John P. Franklin Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church in Yemassee, South Carolina.

Interment: Bonny Hill Cemetery. Marshel's Wright-Donaldson Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements in South Carolina.

12/19/2025

Memorial Service for
Cynthia Louise Patton
We do not own the rights to te music

12/18/2025

Jerome Rodgers was born on February 21, 1952, to Ester Lee and Earline Rodgers in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In the early morning hours of December 15, 2025, after fighting a long and courageous battle, with his wife beside him, he gave the battle to the Lord.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, Ester Lee and Earline Rodgers and his beloved grandmother, Minnie Parker.

Jerome is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Constance; brother Henry (Pig) Rodgers; children, Kelcey Rodgers, Kenan Rodgers, Jerry Jones of Jacksonville, Florida, Kimberly Rodgers, Shawn Rodgers, and Sheldon Rodgers of Atlanta, Georgia; his loyal and faithful dog, Bentley.

Public viewing will be held 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Monday, December 22, 2025, followed by a 3:00 pm funeral service in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

The burial will be held on Tuesday, December 23 at 9:00 a.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery located at 4016 Tennessee Avenue.