Jo Nell Franklin, age 87, of Coleman, and formerly of Carlsbad, New Mexico, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Coleman County Medical Center with her family by her side.
Born on January 10, 1936, in Melvin, Texas, to J.B. New and Velma Alamae Herrin New, Jo Nell was a caring and devoted mother, granny, sister, and friend. She dedicated her life to nurturing her family, always putting their needs before her own. Jo Nell grew up in Melvin until moving with her family to New Mexico, settling in Carlsbad. She attended school in Carlsbad and married James Riley Cox in April of 1955. Jo Nell later married Loyd Martin Franklin in December of 1967 in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Throughout her life, Jo Nell worked diligently as a cashier for Cashway, where she formed lasting relationships with coworkers and customers alike. Her warm smile and friendly demeanor brightened the days of many.
In her free time, Jo Nell found solace in the art of sewing. She poured her creativity into her craft, creating beautiful pieces that will be treasured by her loved ones. Jo Nell also found strength and comfort through her faith as an active member of the Jesus Saves Ministry in Coleman. Her spiritual journey brought her peace and guidance.
Jo Nell is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Loyd Martin Franklin; her brothers, Gene New, Darrell New, and Dean New; and her sisters, Virginia Dickinson and Pat Henderson.
Left to cherish her memory are her adoring children, Garry Cox and wife Deborah of Coleman and Larry Cox of Carlsbad, New Mexico; two step-children, Floyd Franklin and wife Scarlet of Crandall and Tony Franklin and wife Treva of Sunnyvale.
Jo Nell’s legacy extends beyond her immediate family. She leaves behind a beautiful tapestry of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each a testament to the love she nurtured in their lives. Her grandchildren, Ricky Cox and wife Adelle, Bobby Cox and wife Kelly, Alisha Boone and husband Clark, Jeanette Derrick and husband Monty, Matt Cox and wife Tara, Harmony Stephens and husband Justin, Lindsey Gilles and husband Daniel, Taylor Watson and husband Matt, Tyler Franklin and wife Amanda, and her great-grandchildren, Aislyn Cox, Addison Cox, Trent Cox, Garrett Cox, Hayden Cox, Dakota Cox, Marlee Boone, Ryder Boone, Brayden Derrick, Brea Derrick, Bailee Cox, Rylan Cox, Cooper Cox, Dylan Booze, Addison Booze, Dylan Stephens, Haleigh Mitchell, Mallory Mitchell, Jordyn Mitchell, Hunter Watson, Ryker Watson, and Arabelle Watson will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
Jo Nell is also survived by her loving siblings, Glynn New and wife Trudy of Midland, Nadine Nunley and husband Sam of Maypearl, and June Kinsey and husband Dennis of Artesia, New Mexico; many nieces and nephews; and sister in laws, Lavonne Lewis and Linda Applegate.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at 12:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman with Dr. Chas Shira, pastor at First Baptist Church, officiating. A graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Carlsbad Cemetery, located at 1506 Boyd Drive, Carlsbad, New Mexico with Rev. Lance B. Redman, pastor at Standpipe Road Baptist Church, officiating. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.
Jo Nell Franklin will forever be remembered for her selflessness, compassion, and unwavering love for her family. The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in memory of Jo Nell be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Franklin family by signing the guestbook on Jo Nell’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Franklin – Cox – New family.