Eleanor Elizabeth Johns Franklin quietly departed this life on December 17, 2009 after an extended illness. Eleanor was born on April 5, 1928 to the late Rev. William Lawrence Johns, Sr. and Frances Mayo Johns in Bedford, VA. She was the oldest of three children. She was preceded in death by brothers William L. Johns, Jr. (Luke) and Farrel Delano Johns (?Toe?). After residing briefly in Painesville, Ohio as a young child, she spent her lifetime in the Bedford and Lynchburg communities.



Eleanor was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church and served on the choir and food committee. She also was actively involved with her husband?s church, Flat Creek Baptist, serving in the choir and on the food committee.



Her early education was in the public schools of Bedford County, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Paul?s College in Lawrenceville, VA. She taught for 30+ years in the Bedford School System. As an educator she directly touched the lives of thousands of students, and she took great pride in the achievements of those students.



Eleanor leaves her husband of 59 years, Enos Franklin of Lynchburg, VA, to cherish her memory. Eleanor and Enos were a wonderful couple. Each provided just what the other needed. As an avid outdoors and sports person, she loved to fish and she was very accomplished at it. One of her great pleasures was deep-sea fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Many times they would bring back tubs and coolers of fish. They would gladly share their bounty with the less-successful friends and family members who often accompanied them on those trips. Eleanor also provided incredible support for Enos? well-known passion for hunting ? doing everything from caring for the dogs to preparing the game he brought back home. Not only were they a great team in their personal lives, they also teamed up professionally to run his long-lasting, highly-successful trucking business.



Others left to mourn Eleanor?s passing include one sister-in-law Dr. Dolores Johns of Roanoke, VA, a special nephew and his wife, Layman and Virginia Franklin of Lynchburg, VA, one aunt, Isabelle ?Pudding? Mayo of Silver Spring, MD, special cousins Ted Mayo of Detroit, MI and Lewis ?Skip? Miller, Jr. of Rustburg, VA and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Eleanor?s cheerful personality and pleasant outlook on life made her a joy to be around. Whenever illness or tragedy struck neighbors, friends or family, Eleanor would always be there to lend a hand ? or sometimes simply provide an ear to listen. She never sought fame or glory, but her impact was great and she will be missed by all who knew her.