Joy Annette (Emig) Franklin of Chelsea, Michigan, aged 78, suffered a devastating stroke and died on January 26th, 2025, while surrounded by loved ones. Joy was born on December 15th, 1946, in Eugene, Oregon, as the only child of Ed and Unavee Tomseth.
Joy is survived by her husband, Thomas G. Franklin, of 58 years; her children, Peter, John, Amy (Michael Landando), Sarah (Douglas Poley), Joseph, and Patrick; her grandchildren, Jaclynn Franklin, Paygh Franklin, Jennelle Franklin, Molly Franklin-Ramirez, Austin Poley, and Logann Poley; and her two great-grandchildren, Micheal Franklin and Damon Franklin-Ramirez.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Unavee and her stepfather, Frank Emig; children, Mary Rebecca, Ashley Unavee, and Anthony Jared; and grandchildren Jared and Jacob.
Following the death of Mary, she and her husband, finding no ongoing support, founded a peer support group for other parents who had suffered the death of a child.
Joy first met Tom in San Diego through a high school ballroom dancing classes. Shortly after meeting, their connection blossomed into love, and they were married a year after graduation. Their love grew as their family did: They had nine wonderful children, eight fantastic grandchildren, and two spectacular great grandchildren. Beyond their own children, Joy and Tom opened their home to many children in need who had crossed the border from Tijuana seeking medical help.
When they moved to Michigan, their caring and love continued: There was many an occasion where their children’s “dinner guests” would wind up staying for weeks at a time: Nobody who entered their household ever left hungry, or without a warm place to go.
At age 40, Joy fulfilled one of her lifelong goals when she became a pediatric ICU nurse. Being the caring and compassionate woman she was, nursing came naturally. She excelled in her career until a diagnosis of Lupus forced her to “retire” to preserve her life. However, she still found many ways to create meaningful change in her communities. She coached little league baseball, leading her team to an undefeated season, much to the displeasure of her male coaching colleagues and to the great pride of her husband.
Joy was strong in her faith, a convert to Catholicism in high school. Beyond attending Mass, teaching, participating in and leading groups, one of the greatest feats of her faith was encouraging her husband to become a deacon, challenging him to grow his faith and perspective.
Joy loved crafts of all varieties. She enjoyed making life like dolls. One fooled a state trooper. He pulled her over for having an unrestrained child lying in her back seat. She also had endless talent in sewing, making dresses, accessories, and clothing. Joy was an animal lover, having adopted many dogs, cats, and creatures throughout her life.
Joy will be greatly missed by her family, friends, church, and community. She made a lasting impression on each person she met. Her quips, quirks, conversation, and laughter will be missed at family gatherings.
Memorial contributions can be made to Faith in Action, Feed the Hungry- a St. Mary outreach, and the Saint Louis Center.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at St. Mary Catholic Church on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 10-11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea on Monday, February 3, 2025, 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
