Virginia "Pig" Franklin of Rockford departed this earthly life February 10, 2022. She was born October 17, 1940, in Florence, Mississippi the daughter of Gabriel and Amanda Franklin. Virginia lived in Rockford since 1963 coming from Mississippi. She was employed as a Sorter by Bergner's Distribution Center, 16 years before retiring. Virginia was member of Providence Baptist Church serving on the kitchen committee, Quilting Club, the Seniors Ministry and Mothers Board. She was a founding member of the Breakfast Program for Orton Keys, the founder of The Orton Keys Garden Committee, a member of the School Board of Directors, The Rockford City Council, NAACP, 4H Club and a member of the Harkins Foundation. She hosted many family and community card game nights. She graduated from McLaurin High School.

Virginia leaves to cherish many loving memories, three daughters, Delisa Penix, Tarsha Franklin and Sonya (Mark) Freeman; nine grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two sisters, Jewel Sallis and Peggy Lewis; Robert, James, and Charles Franklin; a host of nieces, nephews' cousins, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by parents; son, Edwin Ernest Franklin; sister, Clara Franklin and brother, Edwin Franklin.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday Feb. 18, 2022, at Providence Baptist Church 2009 Clifton Ave. Visitation will be held 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave. Burial will be held Monday, February21, 2022 in Sunset Memorial Gardens.