Pat Franklin, who died Saturday, October 8, at the age of 66 was an inspiration to so many. By nature, she was a fun-loving, bubbly individual that loved life and could organize absolutely anything. By profession, she was a dedicated teacher - in Stanly County and in Ashe County. She taught for 30+ years, impacting the lives of hundreds of children with special needs. In 1998, before moving to Ashe County, Pat was named Teacher of the Year for Stanly County Schools. In addition to teaching, Pat had many passions. She had a lifelong love for the outdoors, for volunteering, and for baking - it was the later that got her known for her famous sourdough bread that was coined by her grandchildren as "Grandma Pat bread." Above all, she was an incredibly selfless and kind woman who was dedicated to her family, friends and church. Born in Thomasville, NC, Pat was the daughter of the late Marjorie and Jessie Tucker, Jr. of Archdale, NC. She graduated from Thomasville High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from Pfeiffer College and then to UNC Charlotte where she earned her Masters Degree in education. Pat is survived by her husband and best friend Joe Franklin of West Jefferson; her brother, Ronald Tucker and his wife Cheryl and their children Jorja and Courtney; her son, Ryan Hollins; her daughter, Kelly Thompson and her husband, Jim, and their children Jackson, Charlie and Max; her stepson, Jim Franklin and his step children Alishah and Ericah; her stepson, Mike Franklin and his wife, Haley, and their children Tayler and Kasey; her nephew Jeremy Tucker and his wife, Jennifer, and their children Olivia, Lily, Gracie and Ethan; her aunt Blanche Sechrist; and her aunt Hazel Brady. In addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by her niece Melissa Anderson and her aunt Elizabeth Tucker. There will be a celebration of life, Saturday October 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations where Pat was an active volunteer: The Parish of the Holy Communion, PO Box 177, Glendale Springs, NC 28629, Ashe County Sharing Center, PO Box 334, West Jefferson, NC 28694, Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission (BROC) We Care Committee,169 Warrensville School Road, Warrensville, NC 28693, Imagination Ashe, PO Box 1745, Jefferson, NC 28640 or Camp New Hope, 734 Philmore Miller Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694.