Lavonne Franklin

LaVonne Gloria Franklin-Thomas, affectionately known as "Big Mama," "Fat," "Aunt Fat," was born in Wichita, Kansas on July 28, 1927, to the union of Ira Bonner-Anderson and Beatrice Smith. She was the youngest daughter of three and a twin. She and her sisters were baptized at the original New Hope Baptist Church at a very young age.

LaVonne and her twin sister Yvonne, won first prize at the Kansas National Pretty Baby Show in Wichita, Kansas - 1927 (she liked to boast that her big blue eyes helped in winning that contest).

The family relocated to Denver, Colorado and LaVonne attended Cole Junior High and Manual High Schools.

LaVonne and her sisters were excellent tap dancers and their parent’s friends would often ask for them to perform. She had a beautiful voice and also played the piano. Of her many singing engagements, the most notable was the evening that she sang for the State Legislature. She also performed at the legendary Rossonian and other clubs on the Five Points.

LaVonne was the proud mother of Maurice and Robert, Jr., who were born to her first marriage. She later married, Chester Thomas, who preceded her in death.

LaVonne was a homemaker who loved her decor to be pink, red and white. She was an excellent cook and loved her pet, Fluffy. She had a very lively personality. She loved music, especially songs by Johnnie Taylor, Al Green, Dinah Washington (This Bitter Earth) and many more artists, along with enjoying her beverage of choice, "Colt 45."

LaVonne was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, Ira Bonner-Anderson and Beatrice Taylor; her sisters, Loretta Stephens, Yvonne Calloway; her aunt, Christine Hare; uncle, R.C.

LaVonne passed away peacefully on November 21, 2018, at home, surrounded by family.

Cherishing her memory, and carry on her legacy, LaVonne leaves behind 4 generations including her sons, Maurice Ira Franklin of Rockford, IL, Robert Lee Franklin, Jr, (Dildred); 9 Grandchildren, Barbara King (Jarrod), Marlon Franklin (Cinda) (AUS), Alecia Bowers (GER), Laniece Gordon (Spencer), Robert E. Franklin (Kris), Solitaire Shore, Brandon Franklin, Brittney McKentry, Brianna Franklin (Javier); 28 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life : December 11, 2018 11:00 am

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Interment : December 11, 2018 2:00 pm

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 S Sheridan Blvd
Denver, CO 80235

Visitation : December 11, 2018 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869