Mr. Gartrell Delano Franklin

Gartrell Delano Franklin, who is affectionately known by family as “Gobbie,” was born on January 16, 1945, in Washington, DC, to the late Lillian (Cummings) Franklin and the late Willie Claude Franklin . Gartrell was their only son . He was called by God peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, with his daughter by his side . Gartrell spent most of his early years growing up in NE, DC, where the family lived first on Benning Road, and later on Dix St, NE . Gartrell graduated from Spingarn High School in 1963 . He had an affinity for education and was an avid reader . Driven by his thirst for knowledge, Gartrell was a lifelong learner who had a passion for discovering new things . After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Education from Howard University, Gartrell applied his skills and passion for education to teach and dedicate 34 years to the Ward 7 community and to Evans Jr . High School in Washington, DC . In addition to training his students in the classroom, he coached basketball and helped his players develop the skills of the game, while learning the importance of teamwork, consistency, and hard work . Gartrell met the love of his life, Nancy Mae Thomas, in elementary school, and in 1972, they were married . Gartrell was a dedicated and loving husband . In 1977, their lives became fuller and happier when they welcomed their only child, Rasheedah Anjail . Gartrell was a protective father . He didn’t hesitate to intervene when he thought Rasheedah’s safety or health was at stake . Whether he was confronting a neighbor about an unleashed dog or changing doctors when the care they were giving her wasn’t up to his standards . He never stopped looking out for her . Rasheedah was the “apple of his eye’ . Their bond was UNBREAKABLE and remained that way until his last day . Gartrell loved sports . He especially loved basketball and football . He was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan . He also loved taking long walks and traveling each year to Atlantic City with his wife, Nancy . They would walk the boardwalk, ride bikes, and attend plays and concerts . Enjoying life together was the top priority . After retirement, Gartrell and Nancy moved into their “dream” home in Laurel, MD . Once in retirement, Gartrell still wanted to help students . He and his wife, Nancy, wanted to stay busy, so they volunteered at Bond Mill Elementary School in Laurel, MD, where they tutored students in Reading . Gartrell and Nancy loved being in retirement . They spent more time together, doing the things they enjoy the most . Nancy became ill, and Gartrell took care of her obsessively, just like a dedicated husband would . He cared for her until God called her home in April of 2024 . It seemed that time stood still for Gartrell after Nancy’s transition . His home was filled with images of 51 years of marriage and the beautiful life they shared . He continued for a time, but he was unable to fill the void left behind as a result of her passing . Gartrell was a man of few words, but he made a major impact on the lives he touched . His compassion for others, kindness, generosity, and strength made him who he was, and they don’t make ‘em like that anymore! In addition to his parents, Gartrell was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, his older sister, Claudette Ford, his mother in-law, Viola Thomas, his father-in-law, Arthur Thomas Sr ., and brother-in-laws, Arthur Thomas Jr ., and Lawrence Walters . Gartrell is survived by his daughter, Rasheedah Anjail Franklin, his youngest sister, Janet Phoenix, his niece, Natalie Ford, his nephews, Kendric Ford, Allan Phoenix, and Everett Phoenix, his sister-in-law, Bobbie Walters, his daughter in-law, Wendy Conway, and a host of family and friends . A life well lived, indeed . Gartrell will be greatly missed, forever loved, and forever remembered

Mr. Gartrell Delano Franklin

January 16, 1945 - February 16, 2026

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Mr. Gartrell Delano Franklin

January 16, 1945 - February 16, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Resources

Grief & Healing

Obituaries

About Us

Contact Information