Catherine Paulette Franklin

Catherine Paulette Franklin, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 74 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Trinity Village in Hickory, North Carolina. Born in Catawba County on August 9, 1951, to the late Claude Barger and Lucille Bowman Barger, Paulette lived a life dedicated to caring for others, both professionally and personally. She was a breast cancer survivor.

Paulette's entire career was devoted to healthcare, reflecting her compassionate nature and selfless spirit. She began her career in the early 1970s at Glenn R. Frye Hospital, known today as Frye Regional Medical Center. Later, she continued her dedication to healthcare at the Lutheran Home, now Trinity Village, where she lovingly served for 36 years before retiring in 2020. It was a full circle of care that Paulette chose to reside at Trinity Village when she required continuous care.

Outside of her professional life, Paulette embraced the joys of leisure and family and Cynthia’s dogs. She loved going to the beach and enjoyed the tranquil beauty of the mountains during the changing seasons. Shopping was another passion, with QVC and TJ Maxx among her favorites and her fondness for owl and cardinal figurines were part of her collections. Above all, Paulette cherished her family. She doted on her granddaughter Abby and treasured every moment spent with her, as well as with her daughter Cynthia. Fond family memories abound, such as when Paulette made not one but two pistachio birthday cakes for Cynthia—a mother’s act of love when the first cake was accidentally dropped.

Paulette was preceded in death by her cherished husband, David Lee Franklin and nephew, Justin Barger, in addition to her parents. She leaves behind a loving family to honor her memory: her daughter, Cynthia Clark of Hudson; her adored granddaughter, Abby Clark; Jamey Clark of Hickory; her brother, Mike Barger and his wife, Karen, also of Hickory; along with numerous extended family members and friends who will remember her warmth and kindness.

A memorial service to celebrate Paulette’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 19, 2025, in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service, Hickory, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the commencement of the service.

Paulette will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all those whose lives she touched.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the Franklin family.