John P. Franklin Funeral Home

10/03/2025

10/02/2025

Our Fall Festival made the news! Check out this week’s Chattanooga News Chronicle for a feature on this year’s event—our gift to the community!

A huge thank you to the Chattanooga News Chronicle for always supporting local events and shining a spotlight on our community! 📰❤️

10/01/2025

Johnny E. Cherry, affectionately known as “GO - GO”, a beloved family member and friend, transitioned into eternity on September 18, 2025, the day after celebrating his 83rd birthday. He was born on September 17, 1942, to the late Isaac and Ina Cherry.

Johnny was raised in Macon, GA, where he attended Ballard Hudson High School and received his education through the Bibb County public school system. After high school, he worked in Macon for several years before relocating to Chattanooga, TN. In Chattanooga, he gained employment with several local tire companies and retired from Red Food Store Corporation.

Johnny was known for his engaging laugh and a wonderful gift for humor, which he shared freely with everyone he met. He truly enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends, sharing a good story, and having his beverage of choice. He especially cherished the time spent with his younger brother, Issiah Cherry; when the two brothers were together, friends and family were often treated to an impromptu comedy show. The love of Christ in his heart led him to show kindness and affection to all he encountered. He will be deeply missed by his Alton Park and Dorris Street Community buddies who gathered almost daily on his porch for fun times, laughter, and lasting companionship.

It was in Chattanooga that Johnny met and married Barbara. This union lasted for several years until her death in 2011.

Johnny was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara J. Cherry; his parents, Isaac and Ina Cherry; his siblings, Bernice Jackson, Isaac “Buddy” Cherry, Mildred Willis, Willie Billingsley, Eleanor Gaytan, and Issiah Cherry; stepdaughter, Myra Cooper; stepsons, Shelton Christian and Marcus Daniels.

He will be eternally loved and missed by us all: his stepchildren, Ralph Williams, Robert Daniels, and Nekia Daniels; grandchildren, Antonio Daniels, Shanekia Daniela, Micheal Birt, Nicole Birt, Ladarius Owens, Jeremy Daniels, Marcellus Mills, Rodney Mills, Eric Mills, Erica Mills Evans, and Michael Cooper; great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Charlene Cherry; nephew/caregiver, William (Karitsa) Jones; nephews, nieces, and a host of other relatives, friends and former co-workers.

Public viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Friday, October 3, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 12 noon in the Chapel of the John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens.

09/30/2025

Anthony LeBron Slater, 56, of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2025 at his residence.

He was educated in the Chattanooga public school system and received Christ at an early age at The Church of Jesus Church. He later became a member of Alton Park Church of Christ.

Anthony loved sports, especially football. He was well known for wearing his black hat and sharing his memorable, often over-exaggerated stories. He worked in various jobs throughout his life until his health declined.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Tracy Ann Slater; grandmother, Rosa Mae Slater; aunt, Gloria Slater; uncle, Nathaniel Slater; and cousins, Chevelle “Bell” Slater, Timothy “Tim” Slater, Gary Slater, and Clarence “Tank” Caperton.

Anthony leaves to cherish his precious memories: his son, LaDarrius Slater; mother, Barbara Slater; sister, Lasagna Smith; brothers, Bobby (Tina) Slater and Antonio “Tony” Slater; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Anthony’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

09/30/2025

Robert Victor Tyrone Bell, affectionately known as Tyrone, passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 54 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He leaves behind a legacy filled with laughter, love, and hard work that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Tyrone was preceded in death by his nurturing grandmother, Rachel Esther Young. He is survived by his devoted parents, Paul and Cheryl Yvonne Bell; his beloved daughter, Jamiela Bell; and his siblings: Tawanna (Nathan Lee), Cresenia Daniels, Janice Green, Sheila Wiley, Michael Long, Carlos Fisher, Joshua Bell, Katreese Bell, Belinda, and many others who cherished him deeply. Among his closest companions were his cousins, Paul McBrayer and LaDawn Yearby; his niece, Nikita Jones; and his lifelong friend, Marcus Sanders, with whom he shared a brotherly bond.

A dedicated landscaper and handyman, Tyrone took great pride in his craft, shaping the world around him with care and expertise. Beyond his profession, he was celebrated for his sharp humor, quick wit, and the infectious joy he brought to every gathering.

Tyrone’s vibrant spirit and unforgettable laughter will be deeply missed by all he touched. His memory lives on through the stories shared, the smiles he inspired, and the boundless love he generously gave.

The visitation will start at 9:00 am, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the funeral home, followed by the celebration of Robert’s life at 2:00 PM.