On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Magnolia Franklin Abrams.
In loving memory of Magnolia Franklin Abrams, March 8, 1949 to January 8, 2024.
Magnolia Franklin Abrams originally from the Southside of Chicago, IL, relocated to Fleming Island, FL in December 2015, then moved to Tallahassee, FL in August 2023. She transitioned peacefully from this earthly life on Monday, January 8, 2024, under the care of her granddaughters and Covenant Care Hospice in Tallahassee, FL, surrounded by beloved family. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Carl Abrams of Chicago, IL, who preceded her to glory on September 22, 2023. Magnolia will also join her beloved grandmother, mother and best friend, sweet aunt Rose Lee, and her only daughter, Carla, and a host of other family members.
Magnolia was born to the late Ada Bell Lampkins-Spears and James Henry Rutledge on March 8, 1949, in Chicago, IL. She was born the oldest of three girls, Magnolia, Theresa, and Anita. She was affectionately known as “Maggie” by her late husband, “Mama” by her children, “Granny,” “Grandma” and “Nonie,” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Magnolia was employed as a Harold Washington Community College Advisor in the early1980’s at the downtown campus in Chicago on 30 East Lake Street. She absolutely loved her occupation and embraced her passion of helping others learn a specialized skill, earn a General Education Development (GED), or undergraduate college degree. She possessed a thirst for learning and achieved multiple degrees. In an effort to satisfy her passion for education, she was always enrolled in a college course or two. Magnolia took great satisfaction as a College Advisor and retired after 30 years.
Magnolia was a devoted Christian and worked faithfully in multiple churches and helped in the community for many years. She served as a Church Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Program Chairperson, Praise Team and a motivational speaker until her health was impacted. Her hobbies included playing the piano, outdoor gardening, reading, texting, developing church programs, watching politics, listening to Karen Peck and the Williams Brothers, and taking care of family members, neighbors, and friends.
Mrs. Magnolia Abrams’s Home-Going Celebration Services will be held January 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Family Worship & Praise Center located 1609 Branch Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303 with visitation at the church from 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, 838 North Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL.
Our precious Magnolia’s memories and legacy will be cherished by her sons Calvin (Shanna) Franklin and John (Verita) Freeman. She leaves her abundant love to her grandchildren: Magnolia, JaTonna, JaMario, Micheal, Stacie, Courtney, Darius, Chanel, and Jalin; and eight great-grandchildren: Kaja, Jeremiah, Krysten, Jayden, Jazmine, Micheal Jr., Audrey, and Camryn. Her sisters, Theresa (Dwayne) Lemons, and Anita (Daryl) Pierce; sisters-in-laws, Sandra Benjamin and Earlene Corker; her nieces and nephews: Shaterria (Shane), Shaunta, Shameka, Tanya, Sunsaria, Tiffany, Aquilla, Rochelle, Antonya, Earl, Jr (Jackie), Dionte, Meco, Dartanyan, Quanta, Kenosha, Eric, Kerry (Ayanna), Jhustin (Stacy), Sterling, Amber, Randel (Chelsea), LaShane, LaTerria, Isaiah, Hawah, Uriyah, Chana, Miche’al, Jaelen, Ny’ela, Isaiah, Kerisha, Mekhale, and Tymere. Her memory will rest in the hearts of her life-long best friends Juanita Taylor and Walter (Rosie) Donaldson, her godchildren Jermaine, and Jeanine Blacine, her honorary son, Keith Hutton, her honorary daughters, Karen Edwards and Gina Carr-Franklin, her cousin Gladys Franklin and a host of cousins, family and friends.
Granny, Now as it sinks in that you are no longer here; my heart aches in a way that I feared for years. No words were left unspoken, but your presence will forever be missed. Until I see you again, take your rest. Job well done. ~Maggie
Magnolia, I give thanks to GOD for all the times we shared. Thinking about and remembering all the ways in which our lives touched. The good was always plenty. As we grew up,I Love that we never grew apart. And although we talked much, I missed you when you moved so far away. I missed you then and I really miss you today. Love you Ana
Abrams Family, No words can mask the loss we all are feeling at this moment. Sister Magnolia Abrams light will never deminish in our hearts and the legacy she leaves will live on at the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. We personally was recipients of her love and care for Ministry. Rest in His Arms. Pastor and First Lady Eddie B. Henley Sr.
Claudia and family with love
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Rest Cuz Love you❤ Saundra
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Rest Cuz Love you❤ Saundra
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Rest Cuz Love you ❤ Saundra
My dear friend,I thank God for the 40+ year's of friendship and the bond we shared. You will truly be missed, the memories of you will live on in my ❤️.
Karen
I thank God that I had an opportunity to see you and hug you and tell you I love. I know you're not in any pain and that you're celebrating with Paw Paw and Carla. You have left behind a legacy of strength,love, compassion, courage and most of all faith in Christ. That trait will transcend to your off springs so your legacy will live on forever. "Ma" thank you for your love. I'll miss you dearly.
Praying for God's comfort during this most difficult time of bereavement. Rest well cuz, I love you❤️ Shaun & sons
I remember all the fun I always had whenever I went over their house and the love I felt whenever she was around , I will forever carry you in my heart , love always your lil cousin Mark
Thank you for being a sweet loving great grandma to Bryson. We will miss you 🫶🏽
Brianne & Bryson
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray was sent for Magnolia Franklin Abrams - January 18, 2024
John Freeman sent Red and White Floor Basket for Magnolia Franklin Abrams - January 11, 2024
In loving memory to my mother. May your light continue to shine abundantly and dwell within the hearts of those who mourn your loss. Forever indebted to you, Your son Cory.
D Judge Real Estate sent Red and White Floor Basket for Magnolia Franklin Abrams - January 11, 2024
Rest on Magnolia until that Great Getting up Morning. From, Greg & Debbie Dix
Verita planted 5 trees in memory of Magnolia Franklin Abrams . - January 13, 2024
Verita planted 5 trees in memory of Magnolia Franklin Abrams . - January 13, 2024
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