Claude Franklin Bey

The life of my Father, Claude Franklin: Edward and Maenonie met and married in Mississippi and migrated north seeking a better life in St. Louis, MO. In the year of our Lord, 1943 Claude Franklin was added to this union. He held a unique place in their family as the only boy surrounded by 4 sisters, Carrie, Edwina, Christine to include his twin sister, Claudette. Their possessions may have been few, but their love was so much greater. In the words of Claudette, "All we had was one another and that was enough."

Claude was educated within the St. Louis Public and Catholic Schools. As a young man and into his senior years Claude worked various jobs. Eventually retiring from Basic-Black Alcohol Drug Services as a counselor, helping those struggling with addiction to regain a firm footing in their lives.

As a young man he met and married Pauline Ross and to this union was born his only daughter, Claudia Franklin Duff, whom he called, "my baby." Because love ran deep within him he met and married Mariah in 2008, where he gained 3 step children. Adventure was a part of his DNA and he traveled throughout the U.S. and the world including a trip to Africa. His heart was wide enough to engage in the historic Million Man March, declaring to everyone, "I am indeed a man!"

Claude lived his faith within The Moorish Science Temple of America with a reverence that could be seen. He never hesitated to speak to everyone about what he believed. You could find him each morning drinking coffee and reading his Quran and was at the Temple each time the doors were opened. He lived what he believed, faithfully. Claude was a friend that was unwavering and he was the most beloved "Unc'' that has ever walked the earth. If there was a cookout he was showing up for a plate. If you needed help, you could call him. He lived life as it should be, like it's the only one you get. Loving was who he was and that legacy of love will live on in our hearts.

Claude slipped this mortal plane and returned to his Creator September 07, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Maenonie Franklin, his spouse, Mariah Franklin, His sisters, Carrie, Edwina, and Christine, and his great grandson, Isaiah Duff. Those left to cherish his memory are, his daughter Claudia Franklin Duff (Daryl), sister Claudette Franklin, His grandchildren, Jonathan Duff, Josaih Duff (Megan), Bethany Duff, his great-grandchildren, Amber, Ezekiel, Jacob and Josiah-Grayson Duff, a host of nieces and nephews, colleagues, Moorish Temple brother and sisters, family and friends.