Ms. Anita Rowe Franklin

September 14, 1962 - February 24, 2020

Anita Denise Rowe Franklin was born on September 14, 1962 in Lexington, Kentucky to Nancy Bright Holmes and Philip (Faye) Rowe. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and became a member of the Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. Anita graduated from Bryan Station High School and attended Eastern Kentucky University. She was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Anita worked throughout Central Kentucky at many nursing homes giving great care, love, and respect to everyone she came in contact with. After the unexpected and senseless death of her son, her spirit became enraged with the mentality of the youth in her community. She immediately put boots on the ground. Her voice was heard throughout the city, state, and nation. Because of her involvement, we have a better understanding of the effects of gun violence and that particular gun laws, if put in place, could protect our children. She became moved that we never forget the name or face of her son and whatever she did in the community, she always reminded us that his name was Antonio Franklin, Jr. Because of her community awareness she founded many community organizations: the Antonio Franklin, Jr. VIP Peace Walk, the Antonio Franklin, Jr. VIP Program, Mr. & Miss Essence Pageant, and We Are Survivors. In addition, she was a very vocal and active member of Moms Demand Action of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Attorney Generals Office's Survivor’s Council of Kentucky. She was also on the Charles Young Center Advisory Board; a facilitator for the Bearcat Dimes; and a broadcaster for Radio Lex. Anita was a member of Leadership Lexington where she served as the coordinator of Lex Bank Smart Project. She volunteered her time to a myriad of groups and organizations locally. She was employed of the Office of the Fayette County Sheriff and had recently been promoted to Director of Community Outreach. Anita took flight to her heavenly home on Monday, February 24, 2020. Anita leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Laneshia Raé (Coy)Conner and son, Ricardo Corey-Delaney Franklin; bonus daughters, Lea ( James) Dawson, Robkisha Brown, Khalilah White, RaéShawna Campbell, and Courtney Campbell; and bonus son, Cole Campbell; four grandchildren, Kennedy, Jordan, Josiah, and Aidyn; two sisters, Kim Rowe Barney and Tonya Leyro; four brothers, Eric Rowe, Calvin Rowe, Phillip Rowe Jr., and James Shields; and and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, and other family members.