Services for Joe Cephus Franklin, of the Bronx, N.Y. andformerly of Bogue Chitto, were 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Mt.Sinai Baptist Church in the Bronx. Granby Funeral Service was incharge of arrangements.

Mr. Franklin, 72, died Dec. 31, 2007, at his residence.

He was a native of Bogue Chitto and relocated to the New YorkCity area in 1954. He was a retired motorman with the New YorkTransit Authority and a retired conductor with Amtrak. He ownedseveral businesses and invested in real estate and was a member ofMt. Sinai Baptist Church.

Survivors are his wife, Louise Franklin; his son, Craig Franklinand fiance Diane; his daughters, Susan Franklin and fiance Devon,Michelle Richardson and husband LD, Lisa Kelly and husband William,all of Bowie, Md., and Tawanna Gonzalez and husband Mark, ofCharlotte, N.C.; his brother, Norman Franklin, of the Bronx; hissisters, Mardete Sullivan and Mildred Black, both of Lansing,Mich.; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.