Ranita Franklin

Ranita Franklin, age 81, of Grapeland, Texas, passed from this life on Earth to her heavenly home with the Lord on the morning of Thursday, December 21, 2017. She was born on October 26, 1936 in Manhattan, NY and adopted by parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eastman of Belleville, New York.

Ranita is survived by her son, Nick Vazzana and wife Selina, and grandson Joe Vazzana, granddaughter Opal Leluex and husband Joshua, great-grandsons Tyler and Austin; son, Kim Vazzana and wife Layrane Vazzana and granddaughter, Alexis.

Ranita is also survived by her special and best friend Gary Ledwell, also a number of special friends and family.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, and husband, John Baldwin.

Ranita was called “Tommi” from a young child and most in East Texas only know her by that name. Ms. Tommi was a very independent, strong-willed, and hardworking woman her entire life. She was an avid bowler and throughly enjoyed her bowling league. Ranita had a knack for artistry and loved to paint. When she wasn’t painting or working in her home, Ranita loved working in her beautiful flower beds.

She loved her horses, fishing, and she enjoyed deer hunting. Ranita loved to travel and especially cruising…was a Carnival Platinum striving to be a diamond member with 25 cruises taken. She was a world traveler and has been as far as Africa to enjoy the wonderful creatures God created. Ms. Tommi was always ready to go at a moment’s notice and was loved by all. She will be missed but always remembered with fondness.

Memorial services will be held at Magnolia’s First Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2017. The church is located at 18525 FM 1488 Magnolia, TX, 77354.