Donna Clarissa Shelby Franklin

Donna Clarissa Shelby was born on Wednesday, March 14, 1962, to Clarence Leroy Shelby, Sr., and Mazie Lee (Hunt) Shelby.  She was the third child of four children born blessed to this union.

She grew up in the historic Third Ward area where she received her education from Douglas Elementary, Ryan Jr. High School, and Jack Yates Senior High School.  A proud Graduate of Jack Yates Senior High School-Class of 1980, she participated for (44) years as an Alumna and enjoyed participating in her class reunions and fundraisers.  Donna exuded School Pride and Showcased Crimson and Gold ‘JY-LIONS’ School Spirit every chance she could. 

Donna enjoyed living life to the fullest. She was the highlight and spotlight everywhere she went. Her “one-of-a-kind” personality made her extremely popular and lovable. She loved to dance, cook, watch Channel 13 News, laugh and just have fun.

Donna was a cherished wife to Jeffrey Conrad Franklin, Sr., whom she wedded on October 13, 1984.   She was a devoted mother to her two beloved children, Jeffrey Franklin, Jr., and Keyia Franklin.

Donna was a faithful Christian who accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age.  She was an actively involved member at Progressive New Hope Baptist Church, where she devoted her time and energy to serving her church, community and nurturing her faith. In her professional career, she served the public in a managerial role at Hermann Memorial Hospital System (Pearland location), where she retired in 2019.

She loved Jesus Christ; praising and worshipping him daily until she received her heavenly promotion.  She said… “I am ready” and peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.  Her warmth, kindness, and strong-willed shall be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is now with God and reunited with her mother, the Late Mazie Lee Shelby; her brother, the Late Clarence Leroy Shelby, Jr., and brother- in-law, the Late Quillie C. Roberson, Jr.

Donna leaves to cherish her memories:  her father, Clarence L. Shelby, Sr.; Jeffrey Conrad Franklin, Sr., her son, Jeffrey Franklin, Jr.; her daughter, Keyia Franklin; grandson, Jeffrey Franklin III; granddaughter, Katlyn Franklin; sister, Janice Wright (Jackie Wright); brother, Larry Shelby, Sr., (Bernetha Wright-Shelby); sister, Carol Shelby-Roberson; and a loving extended family of many beautiful nieces, nephews, cousins, and God-Children.

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