Michele Franklin
Michele Franklin
March 8, 1958 - November 16, 2015
Michele was a singer, guitar player and mother. She performed as a solo artist, as well as with the band Hegemony Headquarters.
Her obit published in The Virginian Pilot:
Born to Howard Walter and Frances Shelton Franklin on March 8, 1958, Michele had one brother, Eric Franklin of Seattle, Washington, all preceded her in death. Their half-sister, Denise Peach resides in Maryland. Michele attended Norfolk City Public Schools and graduated from Maury High School in 1976. She attended Tidewater Community College studying the Arts. She also achieved other certificates in the Arts. June 2, 1988, Michele married Chester L. Ward of Norfolk, Virginia. From this union was born one son, Genesis Ward age 14. She is the step-mother to Roderick Ward of Banning, CA and Arthur Champion of Beaumont, CA. Michele was a lover and patron of the Arts and a faithful employee of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA from 1980-2015. Her love of the arts was reflected in her everyday personal life at work, at home, and in the community. She was an aspiring artist, with numerous paintings of her own which adorn her home. Her creativity was also shown in her many hair colors and styles, her dress, her art, poetry, and her love of music. Michele was lead singer and played the guitar with Hegemony, a local band, playing rock/alternative music. She also wrote poetry and songs. Michele was a quiet, sweet and gentle spirit who loved people and life. Michele leaves to mourn her soulmate and devoted ex-husband, and friend, who planned to remarry, Chester Lee Ward; their son, Genesis; a half-sister, Denise Peach; cousin, Ronnie Jones; mother-in-love, Mrs. Hattie Ward; sister-in-love, Jo Ann Obie (Barry), (Washington, DC); brothers-in-love, Larry Ward, Randy Ward, Kelvin E. Ward (Bonita), Steven Ward, and Joseph A. Ward (Constance) all of Norfolk, VA. Nieces and nephews and a host of other extended family and friends. A shining light here on earth, she will forever more be a beautiful flower in God’s garden. She will be greatly missed and her legacy will live forever in her son, and arts.