Shirley Katherine Sawyer Franklin, 76, of Weaverville, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and the daughter of the late Olen "Ernest" and Dorothy Parker Sawyer. Shirley was a member of Salem United Methodist Church and is preceded in death by her brother, Olen Clifford Sawyer.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Stevie Joe Franklin; sons, Shannon Ernest Franklin (Christine) and Steven Wade Franklin (Lori); 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and special cousins, Jack and Jan Sawyer.

Shirley adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11am Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Salem United Methodist Church. Reverends Drew Nix and Kent Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in Clark's Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Monday, April 20, 2026, at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org