Nancy Jean Franklin

Nancy J. Franklin, 94, of Plantation, Florida, passed away on September 17, 2026.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, during the Great Depression, Nancy grew up in the Walkersville area where she spent many heart-felt years playing basketball and cheerleading. Her favorite childhood memory always centered around the local post office operated by her grandma and aunts, and where she and her siblings spent countless hours working. Nancy left this mountain home at a young age to join the United States Army, serving as a nurse’s aide. But her proudest accomplishment was serving as an Army wife for over 25 years, raising four children through four tours of duty both in America and abroad in Germany. Her capacity for caring continued as both a school volunteer and a hospital candy striper helping patients in need.

Nancy is survived by her children, Deborah L. SIdesinger of Plantation, FL; Joseph H. Franklin III of De Soto, TX; and Melissa A. Clark and her husband, Wayne, of Plantation, FL. Another son, Terence L. Franklin, preceded her in passing. Nancy’s sweet smile and warm hugs will be missed by her seven grandchildren, who referred to her lovingly as “Nee-Nee,” Brady C. Clark of Plantation, FL; Chad J. Sidesinger of Plantation, FL; Tara F. Kenin and her husband, Brad, of Winter Garden, FL; Justin R. Franklin of London, England; Stephanie M. Franklin of De Soto, TX; Traci Martin of Tullahoma, TN; and Michael Bradshaw of Ridgeway, VA. Nancy was also blessed with a number of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

An avid animal lover, Nancy was preceded in passing by her beloved pups, Pebbles and Noel, who were no doubt

eager to reunite with her at Rainbow Bridge.

Nicknamed “Fancy Nancy” for her flair for fashion and affinity for sparkling diamonds, Nancy eventually found her calling in the retail world, selling both fine jewelry and ladies couture at Mann’s and JC Penney for over twenty years.

Nancy’s zest for life included her passion for music and dancing, and especially travel. A life-long music lover dancing her decades away from the swinging sounds of the Big Band Era to the backbeat of Rock and Roll, Nancy could cut quite a rug with her rhythm and grace. A travel enthusiast, Nancy journeyed to various states and countries, but it was Las Vegas that captured her heart; she never met a slot machine or a glass of champagne that she didn’t like.

Nancy’s twilight years included a fondness for reading and holiday decorating. Most nights found her cozied up with a Hallmark movie and a Diet Coke. Simply put, Nancy enjoyed talking with family and friends and just being home. Home is where Nancy’s heart could always be found; now it will forever live in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life honoring Nancy’s 94 years will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 10:00 am at T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home 7001 NW 4th Street Plantation, FL 33317. Please join us as we send Nancy her final Cheers in Heaven.