Shiree Jameek Franklin

Shiree Jameek Franklin embraced many roles during her life. Among them, mother, beloved daughter, sister, niece, and cousin. She mastered the ability to fulfill efficiently and effortlessly each of these roles in ways that will never be forgotten, touching the lives of, and bringing joy to everyone who crossed her path. Shiree, affectionately known as “Peanut” and “Booga” was born to the late Julie Louise Franklin and Gregory Anthony Grant Sr., on Saturday, October 27, 1984. She was raised by her unconditionally loving aunt Veda Franklin and her late grandmother, Doris Franklin. Although she didn’t talk right away as a child after her mothers passing, Shiree was extremely intelligent, always inquisitive and kept up with everything going on around her. She followed Veda around closely. Shiree confessed Christ as her Lord and personal savior and was baptized at Mallory Avenue Church of Christ at a young age. She then later placed her membership at Piedmont Church of Christ until her passing. She was educated at both Faubian and Meek Elementary, Whitaker Middle School and graduated class of 2002 from Ulysses S. Grant High School. She completed VOC and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital. She later took courses at Portland Community College to prove to herself that she could advance herself scholastically. Shiree worked remotely for Hanna Andersson until her health began to decline. She enjoyed her role in customer service and the array of personalities she encountered daily. All those that loved Shiree know she had a passion for cooking. Her mac ‘n cheese was the best, hands down (sorry LaDonna), and she was starting to give auntie Shelia a run for her money on chicken and dressing. Shiree enjoyed hearing Akeelah sing during her chorus performances. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, listening to music and watching a good tv show. Oddly, she loved commercials. Shiree’s proudest moment and greatest, single most important accomplishment came when she entered the world of motherhood. She gave birth to her baby girl Akeelah Ju’Lia Franklin. Shiree yearned for the love of her own mother and wanted to give that overabundance of absent love to her daughter. Shiree was blessed with an infectious smile, a hearty laugh and compassion that ran deep for those she loved. She was a loyal friend and held her family in high regard. Shiree will be remembered as being bold, “ghetto-fabulous”, outspoken, strong-willed, fearless, strong, loud, extremely timely, loving, blunt and unconventional or free-spirited in how she lived her life. Shiree endured many adversities from a young age both health and personal. Her strength and faith in God allowed her to persevere. She is now relieved of all the heartache and pain she endured while on this earth. Shiree now joins her guardian angels in paradise with her mother, Julie Franklin, her grandmother, Doris Franklin, uncles Garvin Franklin, Vinny Franklin, and Marcus Franklin. Shiree leaves to cherish her great memories the love of her life, daughter Akeelah Franklin “Singa”, Akeelah’s father, Jesse Jenkins (Ren), sister, Shirell Winters (Atlanta, GA), her “auntie-mom” Veda Franklin “Beebs”, her father Gregory Grant Sr., aunts Shelia Franklin, and Greta Fortenberry (Greg, Atlanta, GA), uncle Rhone Williams (Jeri), ahost of cousins, Trinity Releford (Da’Kari Sr., Fountain, CO), Da’Kari Releford Jr. (Fountain, CO), Triston Releford (Fountain, CO), Ed Burton Jr. “Tuggums”, Shaneice Burton, James Burton III “E3”, Garvin Franklin Jr. “Big Cuddy”, Tyrae Franklin, LaDonna Franklin, LaVontre Franklin “Tunky”, Jennifer Franklin, Anonnie Franklin “Moon”, Ahlijah Franklin “AJ”, Gregory Fortenberry Jr. “Lil Greg” (New Orleans, LA), Wonder Fortenberry (New Orleans, LA), Christopher Fortenberry (Atlanta, GA), Tanesha Franklin & family, Lamar Franklin & family, Mary Cooke, Henry Jones (New Plymouth, ID), sister Mercedes Grant, brothers Gregory Grant Jr. (Salem, OR), Arsenio Grant, Akeelah’s best friend Azura Arroyo (Atlanta, GA), beloved friends and church family.