Mabel Franklin

Franklin, Mabel Dameron, 87, of Champlain, Virginia, passed away at home on Sunday, January 2, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents Elton and Louise Dameron; sisters, Hilda Bronner, Marge Albert, and brother, Ralph Dameron. She is survived by her husband Bobby (Robert E.) Franklin to whom she was married for 68 years; her daughter, Mary Beth Lowery (Michael), sons, Robert D. Franklin, and Paul B. Franklin (Becket); her grandchildren, Rebecca Kim (Dan), Christopher Lowery (Caitlin), Paul Lowery (Julie), Tyler Franklin (Corbin), Josh Franklin (Caitlin), and Rachel Neal (Taylor), Paul B. Franklin Jr. (Kathryn) and Henry Franklin; and eleven great-grandchildren, Matthew, Samuel, Nate, Teagan, Pierce, Hudson, Harper, Virginia Rose, Larkin, Reagan, and Cameron. She is also survived by her sister, Anne Finnegan (Dan), sisters-in-law Frances Dameron, Evelyn Gayle, Phyllis Dishman, and Josephine King; along with a large extended family.

Born in Richmond County in 1934, she attended University of Maryland. In 1973, she began her career in Essex County government as an assistant in the office of the Commissioner of the Revenue. Her attention to detail and strong work ethic helped her excel in her duties while taking care of her family and supporting Bobby’s farming operation at Faver Field Farm. She was appointed the Commissioner of the Revenue in 1978. As a locally elected officer under the Virginia Constitution, she ran for office every 4 years. She was elected to 7 consecutive terms and retired in 2005. Her successful career reflected the exceptional effort she gave to her responsibilities, and most importantly, the fairness and respect she gave to the citizens of Essex County. She was an active member of Upper Essex Baptist Church serving in many capacities through the years. She loved flowers and gardening, but she most enjoyed hosting and cooking for guests at home at Faver Field Farm. She was a loving Mom and Nee-Nee/Gram to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 6th, 2022 at Warsaw Baptist Church Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to Upper Essex Baptist Church, P.O. Box 225, Caret, Virginia, 22436. Faulkner Funeral Homes, Marks-Bristow Chapel, Tappahannock, is assisting the family with arrangements. To keep our community safe, the family requests that you please wear a mask at the service.