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Celebrating the life of

Gabrielle Franklin

December 03, 1939 - January 22, 2020

Gabrielle Franklin

Gabrielle Franklin, 80, passed away on January 22, 2020.

            She was born on December 3, 1939 in Beirut, Lebanon, the daughter of Victor Abilama and Helen Nassar. She was bestowed the title Emira as she was a descendant of Lebanon’s ruling family. Emira was an honor and responsibility that she would carry throughout her life. She attended the American University of Beirut. Her first career was as a flight attendant with British Airways, not only a career but would lead her to meeting her husband.  She married Carl Franklin on New Year’s Eve in 1961 and traveled the world as a military spouse. After her husband retired, she became an entrepreneur, owning businesses that included real estate and retail. Not surprising to anyone who knew her friendly personality, helpful nature and strong business skills, her retail business was consistently honored nationally for outstanding sales.

            She moved to Savannah in 2007. She was active in St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, serving as Treasurer and a member of the Parish Council. She was Vice President and former treasurer of the church’s St. Barbara’s Philoptochos Society. She was a community volunteer in several capacities, including the Savannah Tourism Leadership Council Food & Wine Festival, the Memorial Health Hospital gift shop, the We Care program to provide food for families of patients in ICU, and the Ronald McDonald House, where she was recognized for her efforts in the family room. A member of Southbridge Women’s Club, she enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening and loved animals.

            Gabrielle was a loving, thoughtful, compassionate and generous woman with high integrity. She avoided the spotlight, but was happy to shine it on others and to celebrate with them when they were in it. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her and those who loved her.

            She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother George Abilama. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Lynn Brennan, son-in-law Barry Brennan, both of Savannah; granddaughter Nicole Brennan of Nashville; sister Yvonne Saade and brother-in-law George Saade, of Orlando, FL, many nieces and nephews, loving relatives, and devoted best friend, Chuck Ivey of Savannah.

            Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26th from 5-6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, with a Trisagion service and coffee hour to follow. The funeral will be held on Monday, January 27th at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, with burial to follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Barbara’s Philoptochos Society c/o St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 14 W. Anderson St., Savannah, GA  31401 or the Ronald McDonald House, 4710 Waters Ave., Savannah, GA  31404.

 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Lynn, We are deeply saddened by the news of your Mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Barry and Nicole... May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days.

- Customs and Border Protection-Savannah, Savannah, GA

We are so sorry for your loss! Gabrielle was a wonderful person. Will miss seeing her everyday walking her dogs. Our neighborhood will not be the same without her. Thoughts and prayers for the family!

- Kathy and Adam, Savannah, GA

We are so sad to hear of Gabrielle's passing. I loved her very much and will miss her terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lynn and Chuck and entire family. I am sorry for our loss.

- Ursla and Jimmy Anestos, Savannah, Georgia

Dear Lynn, Barry, Nicole, and Chuck, My family and I are saddened by Gabrielle's passing. Her presence at St. Paul was prominent and she will be missed for her focused dedication to the welfare of the parish. May you be comforted by each other and your friends during these challenges times.

- Peggy Pittas, Savannah, GA

There are simply no words adequate to convey our sorrow and grief over the passing of this very dear and sweet lady that we have come to know over the last few years. Her warmth and her sincerity for us has been a blessing and an honor to have, if only for so short a time. Chuck, Lynn, and family, it is a privilege to know you and grieve with you. God bless you all. Sara and Chris Bohan

- Sara and Chris Bohab, Statesboro, Georgia

To Lynn, Barry & Family, My heart is so saddened to hear of your sweet and amazing mom’s passing. She was always a joy to visit with in the hospital gift shop and I so appreciated and admired her support of the Ronald McDonald House ❤️ You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs !

- Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt, Savannah, Ga

Lynn, Our hearts are broken with your mother's passing. May your faith, family, and friends surround you and walk with you through this dark time. We love you. Brenda

- Brenda Gibson, Charleston, SC

Memory eternal ! She was a favorite member I met at our church. Funny,kind,a hard worker. I will miss her smile.sympathy to her friends and family

- Deborah munyas, Savannah, Ga

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this sad time. May her memory be eternal. With my deepest sympathy, Irene Purdy

- Irene Miltiades Purdy, Richmond Hill, GA

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this sad time. May her memory be eternal. With my deepest sympathy, Irene Purdy

- Irene Miltiades Purdy, Richmond Hill, GA

My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. There are no words! There was never ever a time when I asked Gabrielle for something, help , etc ., that she did not go above and beyond to get it done . May Her Memory Be Eternal .

- Tia Halatas

Lynn, Barry, Nicole and Chuck, I am so sorry about Gabrielle. She was loving and generous to everyone and touched so many lives. I will never forget her and will miss her terribly. Don't hesitate to call if you need me

- Joe Haddad, Savannah, US

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Lynn and family - my heart goes out to each of you on your loss of such a dear, sweet lady. May God give you strength and wrap his loving arms around you. Your family will be in my prayers.

- Mary Wright, Rincon, GA

Dear Lynn and family, please accept our deepest sympathies, prayers and condolences on the passing of your dear mom Gabrielle. May her soul rest in Peace

- Christopher R Desa, SAVANNAH, GA

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Dear Lynn, Barry, Nicole and Chuck, Gabriela and I were shocked and saddened to hear that Mrs. Franklin had passed on. Whenever we passed through the doors of St. Paul's parish her smiling face, her kiss and warm embrace was always there to greet us. She will be missed by us and all who were lucky to know her. May God give you comfort and strength in this time of loss. May her memory be eternal.

- Sean and Gabriela Woods, Bluffton, South Carolina

Lynn, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother . You and Barry and your whole family are all in my thoughts and prayers. Chuck

- Chuck Rawlinson, Richmond Hill, Georgia

Lynn, I am so very sorry to hear this. I had no idea until earlier this week. Your mom was an amazing woman who was a lot of fun and had a great sense of humor. I wish I could give you a hug!! Angie

- Angie Amerson, Gastonia, NC

Lynn, We are so sorry to hear of your mother's death. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We pray that God will hive you the comfort only he can. Love you, DiAnne & Roger

- Amerson, Garden City, Georgia

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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