Donna Marie Franklin-Doaks

Donna Marie Franklin Doaks, affectionately known as “Frankie” and “Cornbread”, the daughter of the late Thomas M. Franklin and Madeline C. (Davis) Franklin, was born on August 12, 1956, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Donna received her formal education through the Harrisburg School District and was a 1974 graduate of Harrisburg High School. After completing high school, she attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “Frankie” retired from H.B. Reese Candy Company with 35 years of dedicated service. While employed at Reese’s, she served on the Safety Committee and the Children’s Miracle Network Committee, working with kids, and mentored numerous coworkers. She was also a Certified Nursing Assistant, as she loved taking care of others. Donna grew up in the church and was a faithful woman of God who found great joy in attending church, Bible study, church events, and the Kevin Bynam-Brown “Apostolic Ministries” daily podcast. She was a former member of St. John CME Church in Harrisburg, PA, and a current member of St. Paul AME Church in Oberlin, PA, under the leadership of Rev. Mim Harvey. She was known as the “Mother,” and she served on the Usher Board at the “Meditation Prayer Tower” in Kathleen, GA, under the leadership of Bishop Timothy Johnson. Donna was a loving, dedicated, hard-working woman who was always willing to help others in any way that she could, even when it meant putting others before herself. She was a beautiful lady with classy style who loved to dress. She always looked amazing whether she was dressed up or dressed down. She enjoyed going shopping, attending Hampton, VA Jazz Festivals, interior design, watching “Martin Lawrence” (as she loved to say, “Woo, Woo, Woo, Woo”), General Hospital, Beyond the Gates, soap operas, and being a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and LA Lakers fan. Donna was a member of the Motion Slingers Club, alongside her brother Ronnie. She was a true Leo (The Lion) who did not play about her children and her family. If anyone crossed the line with any of them, Donna would roar as she would say, “I’m a Lion who protects my cubs”. On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Donna transitioned from labor to reward as she answered the call of our Heavenly Father in Warner Robins, GA. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Thomas A. Franklin and Stanley Franklin. Her sister Mary Ann Franklin and niece Natalie Keisha Franklin, nephews Stanley “Fred” Cooksey and Nieem Franklin. Donna leaves unwavering love and cherished memories to her husband Houston Doaks, sons Tyrell Franklin, Gary Williams II, Ronald “Jamal” Williams (Elizabeth Houng), bonus son Darryl Shaw Jr., bonus daughters Kim Smith and Meika McNaughten. Her sisters Patricial Franklin (Jon McCollough) and Madeline “Jeannie” Woodward (Cornell Corley), and her brother Ronald Franklin. Grandchildren Tyrrell Smith, Tyla Franklin, Tyanah Franklin, Gary Williams III, Jayla Houng-Williams, Milynn Houng-Williams, Gary Williams, Justice Williams, Jewel Williams; great-grandchildren Kanaze’ Macon, Saloman Jenkins, and Meilani Jenkins. Her canine companions Gucci and Fendi, a stepdaughter, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Mathew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant.” FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS, OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Monday, July 27, at The First Baptist Church of Steelton, 1850 S. 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104

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Donna Marie Franklin-Doaks

August 12, 1956 - July 8, 2026