Clarabelle F. Franks Korom, age 99, of Franklin Township, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, June 9, 2014.
Born in Bellefontaine, OH on January 30, 1915, Clara was a daughter of the late Wilbur Charles Franks and Laura Mae Fields Franks. Growing up on a family farm, Clara learned the value of hard work and the importance of a close family. She married William Korom on September 8, 1938 in Barberton, OH and together they moved to Erie County, PA in 1943 where they raised their family. Clara lived the following years in Franklin Township until 2010 when she became a resident at Edinboro Manor.
Clara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother– a role model for her daughters and grandchildren. She was a kind person with a positive attitude, always finding good in everyone, and always smiling. Clara loved all of God’s creation and taught her family to appreciate and enjoy animals, flowers, and gardening. She formerly belonged to McLane Baptist Church and its Women’s Missionary Society, and for the past 12 years attended First Alliance Church in Erie.
Clara’s husband, William Korom, preceded her in death on February 21, 1980; also, three brothers, Lawrence, Edward, and Bernard Franks are deceased.
Surviving family members include her two daughters, Sally Rounds and husband Donovan of Girard, and Bonnie Bernhardt and husband David of Edinboro; six grandchildren, Lori Anthony (David), Cathy Davis (Dennis), William Mitchell (Jennifer), Karen Sumple (Jon), David Bernhardt (Kimberly), and Donovan Rounds (Laura); eight great-grandchildren, David, Amy, and Michael Anthony, Kenneth Davis, William and Kelly Mitchell, and Connor and Donovan Rounds. Clara is also survived by her dear sister, Lavawne “Bluey” Dague of Rittman, OH, and her sister-in-law, Jean Franks.
The family will visit with friends at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Thursday, June 12th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will take place there Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor David Snyder of First Alliance Church. The committal service and burial will follow at Sterrettania Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Edinboro Manor for their excellent care of Clara. Special thanks to Auguste, Danielle, Stacey and all of her aides on A-hall.
Memorials may be given in Clara’s name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501.
We’ll always associate Clara with the early days at McLane Church…her quiet presence and smiling face are part of our fond memories of that church family. Sorry for your loss, Jack, Cheryl and Bryn