Janice passed peacefully May 13, 2023, after battling cancer. She is survived by her brother Clarence. She attended public schools in Lufkin, Texas, graduating from Lufkin Dunbar High School. She earned a Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Music degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a Ph.D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Her work experience was diverse, reflecting the corporate sector, musical theatre, and higher education. She retired as a professor from Dallas College (formerly the Dallas County Community College District) where she taught in the Performing Artists’ Musical Theatre Conservatory, and later fine arts, music and humanities. She was also an online adjunct instructor for Southern New Hampshire University, teaching interdisciplinary studies.
Her forty-year career as a musical theatre director and accompanist began in Dallas with a short stint in New York City.
In addition to the arts, she loved international travel, creative writing, and research.
Her life impacted family, friends, and students in a way that can’t be told in words, always positive, direct, and with compassion. She told us what we needed to hear. She brought us joy during the hard times. Laughter during the fun times and balance during the challenging times. Dr. Franklin, Twanda, Auntie, Mentor, and friend, gave us all what we needed. We will miss her spirit, her joy and her light.
Janice was preceded in death by her father and mother, Mary Ann and C.L. Franklin, Sr. She is survived by her brother Clarence (Patricia) Franklin, niece Angela Hill, nephew Brian K. Franklin, great nephew Reginald Hill, great niece Anterrika Hildreth, great nephew Kristofer Ward, great niece Tayla Franklin, great nephew Brian Franklin, and great-great nephews Avery Hildreth, Reginald Hill Jr, and Ryan Hill. And most especially, Lola, her canine companion and child.
Numerous friends have shared the memories on Facebook and other social media, please view those comments and reflections there.
