Obituary of Margielene Franklin

Margielene “Margie” Divers Franklin, 92, of Alpharetta, GA and Land O’ Lakes, FL earned her
wings and peacefully passed into the arms of our Lord and Savior on February 17 th . Margie was
born to the late Frank and Lucy Divers on June 17, 1931, in Bassett, Virginia. She was the
devoted wife of the late George F. Franklin, and they celebrated 62 years of wedded bliss
before his passing in 2014. Margie and Georgia had two daughters, Carolyn and Veronica,
whom they raised in the Southeastern United States, including Birmingham and Cocoa Beach
before settling in Land O’ Lakes in the mid-70's. Margie worked as an Executive Secretary for
Boeing and NASA before joining the Pasco County School Board Media Department, where she
remained until her retirement.

Margie was a quintessential southern belle who never met a stranger. She was an extraordinary
human and gracious friend to all she met. An extremely hard worker who was fiercely
independent, Margie was living on her own and traveling on her favorite cruise vacations into
her 90’s. She was generous with her time, volunteering countless hours for the Pasco County
Fair Association and in her retirement, with the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes chapter of Lions Clubs
International and the Lions World Vision Institute in Tampa, where she served as their most
tenured of their Board of Directors. She was a dedicated wife, mother, aunt and grandmother
who adored and was immensely proud of her family, leaving them with hearts full of love and
amazing memories. A devout Methodist, Margie was a member of Land O’ Lakes United
Methodist church. With a heart full of love, she freely offered compliments, always sharing her
feelings that “YOU ARE GREAT” or “YOU ARE MINE”.

Margie is predeceased by her parents, sister Pauline Thompson, husband George Franklin,
daughters Carolyn Mahoney and Veronica Dettman, and grandson Jason Rickis. She is survived
by her brother and sister, Frank Divers (Jan) and Shirley Wilson (Roy), son-in-law Dan Dettman,
three grandchildren and their spouses: granddaughter Jennifer Rickis Wrobel (Chuck) of
Georgia; grandsons Herb Dettman (Amanda) of Wisconsin, and Jesse Dettman (Kathy) of
Colorado as well as 9 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

To say that her family and friends will miss her immensely is an understatement. Margie was
blessed with a long and loving life, and we will hold her in our hearts until we meet again,
forever missed but never forgotten. A Celebration of her beautiful life is planned for Monday,
February 26 th , beginning with a Viewing at 11:00 a.m. and a Celebratory Service at 12 p.m. at
Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’Lakes. The service will be followed by interment at 2 p.m.
laying her to rest with her beloved husband, George at the Florida National Cemetery in
Bushnell, Florida. As part of our celebration, we invite attendees to wear Margie’s favorite
color, purple, and welcome you to share your joint experiences of laughter and joy. In lieu of
flowers, please consider a donation in Margie’s memory to the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Lions Foundation.