Kendra Thomas Franklin: Baton Rouge Woman Remembered for Faith & Service – Obituary
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Kendra Thomas Franklin, a long-time advocate for families and childcare providers in Louisiana, passed away peacefully on , at Ochsner Hospital in Baton Rouge. She was 55 years old.
Born on , Franklin dedicated her life to service and faith. She accepted Christ at an early age at Greater New Guide Baptist Church and later served as a deaconess at Star Hill Baptist Church, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to her religious community.
A graduate of Istrouma Senior High School’s Class of 1988, Franklin’s professional life centered on supporting vulnerable families. She worked with Volunteers of America, where she focused on training and providing support to childcare providers across the region. This work underscored her dedication to ensuring quality care for children and strengthening families.
Franklin’s passing is mourned by a wide circle of family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Timothy Franklin and her children, Marquet (Lawrence Dean) and Khyliah. She is also remembered by her bonus children, Quentin, Je’kyra, Trinity, and Timia, as well as her mother, Margie Hatfield, and stepfather, Roosevelt. She was preceded in death by her father, Russell Hayes, and her son, Marvin Jr.
Those who knew Franklin remember her for her warm personality and unwavering faith. Colleagues at Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana, Inc. Described her as a dedicated professional committed to the organization’s mission of serving people in need. Volunteers of America of Texas, a faith-based ministry, shares a similar ethos, highlighting the importance of community support that Franklin embodied throughout her career.
The Louisiana Department of Health’s Freedom of Choice Provider Listings include numerous home care and childcare services across the state, reflecting the ongoing need for support systems like those Franklin worked to bolster. Organizations such as #1 In Home Care and 1st Abundant Home Care, LLC, listed in the directory, provide essential services to families, a sector in which Franklin dedicated her professional life.
Franklin’s work with childcare providers is particularly relevant given the ongoing demand for qualified professionals in the field. The need for accessible and affordable childcare remains a significant challenge for many families, and Franklin’s contributions to training and supporting those who provide this care were vital.
Her commitment to faith and service extended beyond her professional life. As a deaconess at Star Hill Baptist Church, she played an active role in her community, offering support and guidance to others. This dedication to both her spiritual and professional communities speaks to her character and values.
The passing of Kendra Thomas Franklin represents a loss not only to her family and friends but also to the broader Louisiana community. Her work with Volunteers of America and her dedication to supporting families and childcare providers leave a lasting legacy of service and compassion. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, strong faith, and lifelong commitment to serving others.
Details regarding memorial services have not been publicly released at the time of publication.