Martha Lee Franks-Bishop

Mother Martha Franks Bishop was born September 23,1932 to the parentage of Estus and Ezella Lockhart in State Line, Mississippi. She departed this life for eternity Saturday. December 27, 2025 in Mobile, Alabama.

Martha accepted Christ at an early age and united with Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church in State Line.

Later in life, she married Nathaniel Franks, Sr. They lived in various locations throughout Mississippi and Alabama. They relocated to Chatom, AL in the early '60s and united with Lilly Grove Baptist Church.

As a faithful member of Lilly Grove, Mother Bishop served in many capacities until her health failed. She served faithfully as Mother of the Church, member of the Golden Agers, and served as Church Secretary., Mission President, choir member, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Certified Instructor/Blandon Springs Baptist Association BTU Congress, and Evangelistic Counselor for Lilly Grove Evangelism Committee.

Mother Bishop was also a foster parent for the Washington Department of Human Resources for a number of years, as well as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, St Stephens Alabama Branch.

Mother Bishop was employed as a cook at Taylor Motel & Restaurant in Chatom for a number of years. Later, she was employed as a sewing machine operator with CAM Corporation, eventually becoming a supervisor, she worked there until retirement.

Upon retirement, she added a sewing room to her home. With her Singer Sewing Machines, she designed, altered and mended many a garment for the community and surrounding area.

Mother Bishop was an excellent cook and hostess. Her signature dishes were German chocolate, chocolate layer and pound cake, chicken dressing and dumplings. She loved to invited people to her home to enjoy a delicious meal.

Mother Bishop loved to read and study the Bible, watch Court TV, and complete crossword puzzles of which she had an endless supply due to the generous donations of friends and family. 

Preceding her were parents, Estus and Ezella Lockhart; seven brothers: Joe, Samuel, L.D., Richard, Melvin, Amos and Howard Lockhart; three sisters: Opal Franks, Delma Dockery and Doris Leverett; children: Nathaniel Jr., James and Jonathan Franks and Ella F. Woodard.

Mother Bishop leaves to cherish her legacy and precious memories, her sister, Elouise Walley of State Line, Ms; daughter, Evelyn (Earnest, Sr.) Moore, St. Stephens, Al;  daughter-in-law, Francil   Franks of Spencer, OK; grandchildren: Howard Donaldson, Earnest, Jr., Terrance (Donna) and Brandon (Nicole) Moore, Tameka Hughley  and Jonathan Franks; graet-children: Isiah and Alicia Donaldson, Jacob (Amia) and Braxton Moore, Mykelle and Johnathan Hughley, Addison and Alia Franks, and Leyla Moore; sister-in-law, Ann Franks; brothers-in-law: Johnnie, Anthony and Timothy Franks; honorary children: Pastor Henry (Sonia) Pough, Sr., Matonya Philon and George Rhodes; with a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, other relatives and friends; and caregivers: LaRhonda Donaldson, Janice Kennon, Clara Morris and Pamela Harris.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Lee Franks-Bishop, please visit our floral store.