Barbara Diane (Washburn) Franklin

Barbara Diane Franklin, 79, of Rantoul, passed away at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Carle Hospital, Urbana.

Barbara was born February 1, 1945 in Urbana, the first of four daughters of Jack and Beulah Washburn. As a child and young adult, she attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Urbana, and enjoyed substituting periodically as the organist. She graduated from Urbana High School in 1963. Soon thereafter she married Robert Franklin on October 18, 1969, in Urbana.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert; her two sons, Brian Franklin of St. Louis, and Jason Franklin of Rantoul; two granddaughters, Myckenzie Franklin and Madyson Franklin of Rantoul; three great grandchildren; and three sisters and their families, Jan Washburn Seaman of Urbana, Mary Leming of Urbana, and Patty Frederick of St. Joseph.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and grandparents.

Barbara retired from the University of Illinois in 2000, after more than 35 years of employment at the College of Education as Secretary to the Dean of the Department of Educational Policy Studies. During her time at the University, she was instrumental in forming the AFSCME union for clerical workers at the University. After retiring, she served as President of AFSCME Retirees Subchapter 88 and the President of the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans.

Throughout her life Barbara dedicated her personal time as a political and social justice advocate and volunteered for numerous causes. She adored her dog Gracie and was also an avid Illini basketball and football fan. Her love, generosity, and kindness for her family and friends will be remembered always.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be planned later this year with family and friends.