Rhoda Franklin Ross' Obituary
Rhoda Franklin Ross, 87, lovingly known as “Sus” to family, transitioned into an eternal life and entered God’s Kingdom on Thursday, April 10, 2025. She was born on December 29, 1937, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to the late William Franklin Sr. and Eva Walton Franklin, who was an evangelist minister. Her mother instilled in her to have faith in Jesus. As a result, she trusted in Jesus; she was a Christian and she studied and read her Bible every day of her life. Rhoda was a graduate of Howard High School. After graduating, she worked as the first Black female elevator operator at the Chattanooga Bank Building. Later, she took a few classes to become an Instrument Technician at Erlanger Hospital. She later retired after 30 years of service. After retiring, she went to work, part-time, for Surgical Center as an Instrument Technician; Lilyland Day Care Center and Friendship Church as a Day care Teacher. She was preceded in death by Willie Ross (husband), William and Eva Franklin, Sr. (parents), William Franklin, Jr, Benjamin Franklin, Ada Franklin, James Franklin. She is survived by (children) Ronald Dewitt Kight, Vinita Kight, Lance Kight, Felicia (Kim) Kight, and Cathy Ross (Whitney) NY.; (siblings) Roland Franklin (Charleston, SC), Patsy Franklin (NY, NY), Urania (Lewis) Davis; David (Vera) Franklin, Berkley, CA, Dan (Carmen) Franklin, LaFeria, TX; (sister-in-laws), Marie Franklin, Ocala, FL, Carolyn Franklin (Oakland, CA)/ Grandchildren: Ryan Kight, Joshua Kight, Chris Langford, Alex Langford, Justin Amaker, Lance Kight, Jr, Eric Anderson, and Maxwell Anderson; Great-grandchildren, Colton Langford, Ryan Langford, Jr., Ryleigh Langford, and devoted cousin Telicia Strickland Howell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rhoda will lie-in-state on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Eric Jones officiating. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Rhoda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rhoda?
Share a story where Rhoda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rhoda you’ll never forget.
How did Rhoda make you smile?