Cheryl Lynn Franklin

A Celebration of Life Service for Cheryl Lynn Franklin, age 78, of Enid, will be 2:00 pm, Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Ladusau-Evans Chapel. Service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.

Cheryl Lynn Franklin, born June 14, 1948, in Woodward, Oklahoma, passed away on September 17, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a lasting legacy in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Cheryl was the daughter of James F. and Ruth E. Campbell Neighbors, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, James Don Neighbors. She is survived by her sister, Sandra J. Huffman; her nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; her longtime companion, Stephen Wilson; aunts, uncles, and cousins; former students; colleagues; and many dear friends.

Cheryl graduated from Woodward High School and went on to attend Northwest Oklahoma State University, in Alva, OK, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree.

On June 1, 1968, Cheryl married Michael G. Franklin. They shared many years together until Michael's passing on June 14, 2011. Although Cheryl and Michael did not have children, Cheryl devoted much of her life to teaching and mentoring generations of young people, leaving an enduring impact on countless students.

In 1983, Cheryl began her teaching career at Enid High School, where she taught history until her retirement in 2010. She was a dedicated and highly respected member of the Social Studies Department and was one of the few women serving in the department during that time. Through her knowledge, determination, and commitment to her students, she earned the respect of her colleagues and became an influential educator in the Enid community.

Cheryl was particularly well known for her leadership of the Enid High School Mock Trial program. She devoted herself to preparing her students for competition and helped guide them to numerous state competitions and accomplishments. She was named Teacher of the Year multiple times and received numerous honors throughout her distinguished career. She represented Enid High School on the state curriculum committee and served on the Governor's Task Force. Among the many honors she received was the Liberty Bell Award.

For Cheryl, teaching was much more than a profession-it was a calling. She believed deeply in the importance of history, civic responsibility, critical thinking, and preparing young people to understand and participate in the world around them. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, and the lessons she taught continued through the lives of the students she inspired.

Following her retirement from Enid High School, Cheryl continued to pursue her love of history through her work at the Cherokee Strip Museum in Enid. It was there that she met Stephen Wilson, who became her longtime companion. Cheryl and Stephen shared their lives together and remained devoted companions until her passing.

Outside of her career, Cheryl found great joy in the things she loved. She loved to read, watch movies, garden, and care for her houseplants, both inside and outside her home. She was a wonderful cook and took great pleasure in preparing meals for family and friends.

Animals were also a very important part of Cheryl's life. She had many pets throughout the years and especially loved her dogs. She cherished each of them and considered them part of her family. Her love for her animals was a reflection of the warmth, compassion, and tenderness she carried throughout her life.

Family was at the heart of Cheryl's life. She was especially close to her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews and treasured the relationships she shared with them. She was a beloved aunt whose presence, guidance, stories, and love will remain part of her family's memories for generations to come.

Cheryl will be remembered for her love of history and education, her dedication to her students, her devotion to her family, her love of animals, her appreciation for books, movies, gardening, and cooking, and the quiet but lasting influence she had on so many lives.

Her legacy is found not only in the awards she received or the accomplishments she helped her students achieve, but in the people, she taught, the family she loved, the animals she cared for, and the countless lives she touched along the way.

Cheryl Lynn Franklin will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, Stephen, her former students, colleagues, and friends. Her life was one of dedication, service, love, and lasting influence, and her memory will remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Enid High School History/Mock Trial Fund Scholarship with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory serving as custodian of the funds.

Condolences may be made, memories shared, and the service may be viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.