John P. Franklin Funeral Home

04/20/2026

04/17/2026

Rev. Morris W. Johnson, born on June 6, 1936, in Ooltewah, TN, was a beacon of faith, compassion, and community. Raised in the loving family of John and Icie Johnson, Morris was one of thirteen siblings.

On March 24, 2026, Rev. Johnson peacefully entered eternal rest at the NHC Nursing Home in Chattanooga, surrounded by love.

A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and Tuskegee University, Rev. Johnson dedicated his life to service, working for many years at the Downtown Branch of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. His spiritual journey began at the First Baptist Church of Ooltewah, where he answered his call to ministry and remained a devoted member since his youth. Rev. Johnson’s leadership touched countless lives as he pastored the Greater Shiloh Baptist Church for thirty-seven and a half years, later becoming Pastor Emeritus. He also served at Bethlehem Baptist Church and as an assistant Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church, all in Chattanooga.

Rev. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Lucile Bonnie Johnson; four cherished children; a great-grandchild; six brothers and six sisters.

Rev. Johnson’s legacy lives on through his five children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a vast circle of friends and loved ones. He held a special place in his heart for those who visited, cared for, and called him during his time at NHC Nursing Home. He desired to express heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Steve Bearden and the Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, Pastor Gerald Spence and the First Baptist Church of Ooltewah, Pastor Steve Underwood and Trinity Baptist Church, Pastor Dr. Brian K. Smith and Stuart Heights Baptist Church, and the compassionate staff at NHC Nursing Home.

A Memorial Service honoring Rev. Johnson’s remarkable life and enduring impact will be held at the John P. Franklin Funeral Home on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

04/17/2026

Cyrus Lincoln Carter Sr. was born on July 11, 1936, to Horace Carter Sr. and Willie Mae Carter of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Cyrus graduated from Howard High School in 1954. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce University in 1959; where he became a distinguished member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He went on and received a master's degree in education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).

Cyrus influenced many lives as an educator for 30 years with the Chattanooga Public School System, as a math teacher and an assistant principal. Cyrus was an Adjunct Math Professor at Chattanooga State Community College. He volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, for ten years, mentoring and encouraging the youth.

Cyrus was a member of the Retired Teachers’ Association, the National Alumni Association of Howard High School, the Wilberforce Alumni Association, and the UTC Alumni Association.

At an early age he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and became a life member of St. Paul AME church. He was a Sunday School Teacher, Steward, a member of the Men’s Choir, and Finance Committee.

Cyrus had a passion for sports, especially college basketball, and football. He enjoyed traveling, renovating old homes, and spending time with family. He was a member of The Esquire Social Club.

Cyrus loved his family and touched many lives with his kindness and benevolent spirit.

Cyrus is preceded in death by his parents, Horace Sr. And Willie Mae Carter; brothers, George Carter and Horace Carter Jr.; sister, Gay Constance Carter; daughter, Peggy Carter Smith.

Cherishing Cyrus’s memories include, wife, Virginia Carter; sons, Cyrus L. Carter, Jr (Heidi) of Louisville, Ky, and Thaddeus S. Carter (Carolyn) of Ellenwood, Ga; grandchildren, Bruce Smith, Jr., Dominique Smith, Alexis Carter Thomas (John), Quintel Thurman (Angela); great-grandchildren, John L. Thomas III, and Zada Thurman; Brother, Roland Carter, Chattanooga, TN; devoted niece Georgette Carter, Chattanooga, TN; special nieces, Cynthia Carter, Chattanooga, TN, Tonda Beckham (Gregory) of Spanish Fort, Al; great nephew, Cameron Beckham and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CHATT Foundation, 727 East 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403.

Public viewing will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, followed immediately by the funeral service at 12 noon at St. Paul AME Church located in Chattanooga at 2514 Williams Street.

Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.

04/16/2026

Makayla “Fatty” Caslin, born on January 7, 2004, left this world on March 20, 2026, at just twenty-two years old. To her family and the people who loved her most, she was simply Fatty—a nickname wrapped in years of affection, laughter, and memories. Though her time here was far too short, she filled it with a kind of light that people didn’t forget.

Makayla had a voice that could soften a room—whether she was singing her favorite songs or laughing at something only she found funny. She danced the way she lived: freely, emotionally, and with her whole heart. She loved being surrounded by friends and family, soaking up the energy of the people she cared about. But she also treasured her quiet moments—those times when she could be alone with her thoughts, her music, and her dreams.

She carried a tenderness that made people feel safe, and a loyalty that made them feel chosen. Makayla supported everyone around her, often more than she ever supported herself, and she loved with a depth that was unmistakable.

Makayla was preceded in death by her beloved baby, Malaysia Merrill, a loss she carried with fierce, unending love. She was also preceded by her grandmothers Bettina Flippin and Edna Caslin, and her grandfather Sylvester Caslin.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: her mother and stepfather, Cheketia and David Hamilton; her father and stepmother, Craig and Lilly Caslin; her brothers, Dmarcus (and sister-in-law Taylor) Dews and Christopher Amos; and her sister, Nikki Bentley.

Makayla is also remembered with love by her cousins, aunts, uncles, and countless friends who were touched by her spirit and will forever carry her memory close.

They will remember her for her softness, her humor, her stubborn streak, her big dreams, and the way she could make even an ordinary day feel a little brighter. Makayla’s story doesn’t end here—it lives on in the people she loved, in the memories she left behind, and in the quiet spaces where her spirit still lingers.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 18, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

04/16/2026

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