DOVER - Emma Pearl Franklin, of Dover, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at the home of her daughter, with whom she lived for the past 18 years. She was 89. She was born Sept. 28, 1921, in Georgetown, to the late Lawrence and Mae Hitchens. Mrs. Franklin was a loving wife, mother and friend. She worked in the motel business for a number of years in housekeeping and retired when she was 72 years old. Mrs. Franklin was a hard worker all her life. She was a member of St. John's Methodist Church, Georgetown, and for the last 10 years she has attended Immanuel Union United Methodist Church in Cheswold. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Walter E. Franklin "Woody" in 1971; and her sister, Doris Atkins. She was an avid reader and loved to talk to her friends on phone and send cards to them. She is survived by her son, Donald P. Franklin and his wife Kathleen of N. Wilksboro, N.C.; daughter, Joan Turnbaugh and her husband David of Dover; grandson, Rev. Michael J. Franklin and his wife Debbie of N. Wilksboro, N.C.; great-granddaughters, Bethany L. Franklin and Kasey N. Franklin; great-grandson, Adam M. Welborn, all of North Carolina; brother, Lawrence V. Hitchens and his wife Minnie of Lewes; and her loving cat, Keta whom she adored. Funeral services will be noon, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011, at Immanuel Union United Methodist Church. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be in St. John's United Methodist Church yard, Rt. 30, Georgetown. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.