Helen Austin Franklin, 85, of Village Highway, Concord, died Friday, December 8, 2017 in Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of the late George David "Dick" Franklin.

Born in Lynchburg, Va., on April 5, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Maybud Phleger and John J. Austin. She was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church and a former choir member. Helen retired from Craddock Terry Shoe Company.

She is survived by two sisters, Emma White and Arlene Farrar both of Lynchburg; one brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Sedella Austin of Lindale, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Cecil and Albert Austin and three sisters, Geraldine Dillard, Delores Krenisky, and Jean Mayberry.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church by the Rev. Dan Dibble. Following the service the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall. A private burial will be held in Concord Cemetery.

Those wishing to make memorials please consider the Concord Fire Department, PO Box 26 or the Concord Rescue Squad, PO Box 48, Concord, VA 24538.