John P. Franklin Funeral Home

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

It’s a special day at John P. Franklin Funeral Home as we celebrate the birthday of our co-owner, John “Duke” Franklin! Join us in wishing him a very happy birthday! 🎉🎉🎉

02/02/2026

Lee Hicks was born on April 25, 1961 in Chattanooga, TN to Beulah Mae Covington and Frederick Lee Hicks, Sr. He passed away on January 20, 2026

He was a chef at The Epicurean in East Ridge, TN for 25 years+. He later retired to become a local handyman who did anything he put his mind to. He was an artist, always drawing, sketching, or painting. He was always smiling and willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

Toney was preceded in death by his parents, Beulah Mae Covington and Frederick Lee Hicks, Sr.; son, Michael Lee Hicks.

Toney will truly be missed by his children, Heather Hicks, Tierra Dial Hicks, and Terrance Hicks. He leaves to cherish his memory ten grandchildren and one great-grandson. Also, missed by aunt, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Public viewing will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM and followed immediately by the funeral service at 12 noon in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.

02/02/2026

Cyrion Amar Brown transitioned peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Clara Dean Lewis; his paternal grandfather, Jethro Hammond; his maternal grandfather, Dennis Eugene Brown; and his niece and nephew, Amara and Amari Williams.

Cyrion was known for his radiant smile, infectious laughter, sense of humor, and big personality. He took great pride in obtaining his CDL as a way to provide for his family. Above all, Cyrion deeply loved his son, Ka’mal Brown, and was extremely proud to be his father.

He is survived by his beloved son, Ka’mal Brown; his parents, Lakizzie Brown and Eric Harris; his maternal grandmother, Doris Cole; his beloved Nana, Luenell Barron; his sisters, Amber Harris, Zariyah Vaughn, Hanari Brown, and Harmony Brown; and his brothers, Eric Harris Jr., Camari Harris, Ceric Brown, Qwess McKinley, Cyli Brown, Caleb Taylor, Jamir Timmons, Hershel Brown, and Halil Brown.

He is also survived by a host of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, extended family, and loved ones. Cyrion was further blessed with a village of mentors who loved, guided, and supported him throughout his life.

There will be no funeral service.

02/02/2026

Revera E. Abernathy, 70, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on January 21, 2025, at Parkridge Hospital in Chattanooga. She was born on April 9, 1955 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Theodore Abernathy and Agnes Abernathy. Revera was educated in the Chattanooga school system and was a proud member of the Howard High School Class of 1972.

Revera was known for her lively spirit, quick wit, and loving heart. To know her was to love her, and she was truly a firecracker who brought joy, laughter, and warmth to all those around her. She cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, and she was deeply loved by many.

Revera was predeceased by her mother, Agnes Abernathy; son, Desmond Clay; brother, Theodore “Ted” Abernathy; nephew, Antonaus Smith; niece, Charlena Appling; granddaughter Miracle Hughley.

She leaves to cherish her memory her father, Theodore Abernathy; her daughters, DeSha McColley and Romita Hughley; her son, Demond Clay; her sisters, Gloria Appling and Jan Abernathy; her brother Charles Abernathy, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Revera was loved by many, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 8, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

02/02/2026

Sheldon Mandel Marbury (affectionately known as “Shell”) was born on September 24, 1966, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Ms. Barbara Marbury and the late Mr. Charles Marbury. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the age of 59, Shell peacefully left his earthly body and entered the presence of the Lord to hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Shell was a proud graduate of Howard High School, Class of 1984, and later continued his education at Chattanooga State Technical College, where he earned a degree in Industrial Electricity in 2011. He was previously employed at McKee Bakery and most recently at Southern Technologies Company.

A devoted servant of God, Shell loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all his heart. He served faithfully in ministry as a member of New Covenant Fellowship Church, where he was active in the Children’s Ministry. Shell found great joy in teaching children on Sundays and greeting everyone with his warm and welcoming hugs.

Shell is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 38 years, Tawanna Marbury, whom he deeply cherished. He was a loving father to Jeremy (Kailan) Marbury, Christopher (McCall) Marbury, and his chosen son, Derrick Jordan. He was a proud grandfather to four wonderful grandchildren—Christian, Mila, Caden, and Addison—who brought endless joy to his life, often sharing laughter and playtime, especially the famous “monkey claw.” He is also survived by his mother, Barbara Marbury of Chattanooga, TN; sister, Pamela Espey of Chattanooga, TN; brother, Chardreck (Judia) Espey of Atlanta, GA; sister, Doris Toney of Chattanooga; brother, Darryl Moore of Nashville, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts.

Public visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, followed immediately by the funeral service at 12 noon, at New Covenant Fellowship Church located at 1326 North Moore Road.

Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens EAST.

02/02/2026

To the Greater Chattanooga community,

Thank you for trusting us with your loved ones.

Thank you for allowing us to walk with you during life’s most sacred moments.

And thank you for supporting a legacy built on compassion, dignity, and care.

For over 130 years, the Franklin family has served this community, beginning with our grandfather, George Washington Franklin, Chattanooga’s first African American undertaker, and continuing through our late father, John Porter Franklin, Sr.

Today, we remain committed to honoring every life with respect and grace.

This Black History Month, we honor not only our history, but YOU, the community we are incredibly proud to serve!

With so much love and appreciation,
Cheryl & Duke

01/31/2026

Weather Advisory & Service Update

Due to today’s weather conditions and to ensure the safety of everyone, the funeral service for Mrs. Erma Cole, originally scheduled for today, will be rescheduled to Saturday, February 7, 2026 in the Chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home.

Public viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, followed immediately by the Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon.

We appreciate your understanding and continued prayers for the Cole family. Please stay safe and continue to follow our page for any additional updates.