Wanda Jean (Leath) Franklin

Wanda Jean. Franklin, 63, formerly of Eckman, WV, passed away January 12, 2013 at Eastland Care Center in Columbus, Ohio. Born in Welch, West Virginia, Wanda was a free-spirited child, who wholeheartedly believed that she would go on and achieve many goals and aspirations in her life. In the early 1970's, Astronaut John Glenn personally helped Wanda obtain her first job with the State of Ohio Department of Transportation. From 1983-1995, Wanda was employed by the United State Postal Service. She worked as a Flat Sorting Machine Operator at the Main Office located on Twin Rivers Drive in Columbus. Wanda prided herself in reading the Bible and following in the steps of the Lord Jesus Christ. She encouraged her family to always do the same. She attended Mt. Olivet Baptist Church where she partook in collecting and distributing toys to needy and underprivileged children on Christmas Eve each year. Wanda was an extraordinary and multi-talented interior decorator who received endless praises and accolades from clients and family members alike. Wanda exemplified creativity. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aaron Leath, Jr. and Loretta Marie Hairston Leath, maternal grandparents, Margaret and Clarence Hairston, and paternal grandparents, Aaron and Pattie Lee Leath. She is survived by her son James E. Franklin, II; siblings, Sabrina Leath-Morrison of Bluefield, W. Virginia, Andre Leath of Orange Park, Florida, and Michael Leath of Accokeek, Maryland; and a host of other loving relatives and friends, including her former husband James E. Franklin, I and her best friend Ruby Redd. Service: Private Arrangements Per Family Request Columbus, OH