His Story

Reverend Dr. Aaron Franklin, Sr.

Aaron was bom August 13, 1932, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to James Franklin, Sr. and Lillian Whitehurst-Franklin.

Aaron accepted the Lord at an early age and was told by his mother that there was a halo-like glow over his baby crib, and she knew that he would be anointed by God. He would often be found reading books as opposed to playing with his siblings, so much so that he was often scolded for reading too frequently.

His educational foundation began at Stoner Hill Elementary School, from there to Central Junior High, and he graduated in the first graduating class of Booker T. Washington High School inl 953. Shortly thereafter he entered the Army Division of the Military in June of 1953. He was processed in Fort Seal Oklahoma, completed his basic training in Leonard Wood, Missouri and was enlisted in the 91 st Combat Battalion as an engineer ranked as a Specialist 4th Class. In total, he served eight years: 2 years active duty and 6 years Army reserve.

Returning from the military, he entered Grambling State University for his undergraduate studies and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and obtained his MBA. His love for teaming and abiding by the Gospel resulted in the earning of his Bachelor and Master degrees of Theology from United Theological Seminary, and his Doctorate degree of Divinity from the United Theological Seminary and Bible College, as well as achieving post-graduate studies at Centenary College, Oklahoma State, and Louisiana State University of Shreveport. He also obtained a Doctorate of Humane Studies from Pepperdine University. He was a true scholar.

In September of 1958, he accepted his first teaching position at Bethune Middle School and continued working in the school system. He went on to teach and coach at Booker T. Washington High School and Woodlawn High School up until his retirement in May of 1989. His contribution to education has positively impacted thousands of students' in their educational careers.

In 1956, Aaron married Mittie Jones, and from this union four sons were born. Later, he joined in holy matrimony with Worthey "Dorothy" Warren in 1976 and from this union a son and a daughter were born.

Although he retired from working in the school system, he remained a devout Christian and was called to pastor his own church. In 1973 he began pastoring at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, and remained a faithful shepherd until his final retirement in 2002. His passion for Christ did not end there as he continued serving the church by training/teaching upcoming ministers through organizations like the BM&E, State Convention of Louisiana, the Baptist Minister's Fellowship, where he served as Financial Secretary and the Cooper Road

Minister's Union where he served as President. He held the position of Director of Christian Education at Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church, as well as pastored Baptist Temple Church for several years. He also served as the Dean and Professor at United Theological Seminary and Bible College. His devoted time at UTSBC has left an indelible mark on the ministers of the Gospel throughout this region.

Reverend Dr- Aaron Franklin, Sr. was preceded in death: his parents James and Lillian Franklin; eleven brothers: Archie Franklin, Roland Franklin, Willie Franklin, Lee Arthur Franklin, Jake Franklin, Robert Franklin, James Franklin, John Mack Franklin, Murphy Franklin, Bennie

Franklin, and Sandy Franklin; six sisters: Mary Franklin, Delzie Franklin, Rosie Franklin, Lillian Franklin Carey, Mable Franklin Shivers, and Margaret Franklin Chaney; and one daughter-inlaw: Carolyn Franklin.

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, he made a peaceful transition while at home with his son Leonnus and daughter La'Tonyia by his side. The Reverend Dr. Aaron Franklin, Sr. will be remembered as a compassionate, faithful, friendly, humble, introspective, well-dressed, family man, and devout Christian.

Leaving to cherish his memory: his wife of 48 years Worthey "Dorothy" Franklin of Shreveport, Louisiana; five sons: Darrell W. Franklin of Detroit, Michigan; Lamar C. Franklin of Shreveport, Louisiana; Aaron Franklin Jr. (Josette) of Atlanta, Georgia; Marvin E. Franklin of Texarkana, Arkansas; Leonnus D. Franklin (Tanya) of Cedar Hill, Texas; and one daughter La'Tonyia M. Franklin of Shreveport, Louisiana; eight grandchildren: Cameron Franklin (Marjorie), Shamaya Franklin, Mikaya Franklin, Raman Franklin, Nevaeh Franklin, Jadyn Franklin, Leonnus Franklin Il, and Landon Franklin; and one great-grandchild: Carson Franklin; many other caring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.