Virginia Wiley Franklin's Obituary
Virginia Wiley Franklin, adoringly known as Gigi, was born Virginia Amis, June 17th, 1924 to Helen and John Clyde Amis in Paris,TX. She was the oldest of 3, a loving sister to John Clyde Amis Jr and Joann Amis Knight. Gigi grew up in Paris,TX where she graduated high school in 1941. After graduation, she moved to Waco,TX to attend Baylor University. Upon graduating, she began working as a lab tech at Baylor Hospital in the final days of WWII. She and her family later moved to Texarkana where she continued to work as a laboratory technician at Texarkana Hospital. She met Frank Wiley II. They married and resided in Longview and Bowie before settling down in Dallas. In 1951 they were blessed with their only child, Frank Clever Wiley III, known as Cleve. Sadly, Frank Wiley passed when Cleve was young. Some time later, Virginia found love again when she met Al Franklin. They married and lived a lovely life together, often going out dancing, until his passing in 1986. Gigi passed away peacefully with her son by her side at 8:59am the morning of Saturday, November 9, 2019. She was 95 years young. She is preceded in death by her parents, Helen and John, and sister Joann. She is survived by her son, Cleve, his companion Amy Curl, and 3 granddaughters. Twins, Jillian Adams and Julie Pope and the youngest, Jacqueline Wiley, as well as the twins’ husbands Roger Adams and Brett Pope. Virginia became Gigi in 1994 when her oldest Great grandchild, Hunter Thomas Wiley, a boy whom stole her heart, was born. Hunter (25) is the oldest of 7 great grandchildren; Xander Wiley (22), Tyler Pope(16), Zachary Pope(15), Rory Kai Adams(10), Sophia Liscano(9) and Mari Liscano(7). She is also survived by her baby brother John Clyde Amis Jr. (90), as well as his children John III and Ann and three adoring nieces, Joann’s daughters, Julie, Pat, and Susan who will also miss her dearly. Gigi was a lover of world travel, much of which she enjoyed doing with her siblings, she also enjoyed the symphony, often attending concerts at the Myerson Symphony Center in Dallas. She always had her hair done and lipstick on, dressed to the nines. She was a steadfast figure of class and poise. Gigi was a strong woman of faith and spent an astounding 66 years as an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She rarely missed a Sunday since 1953. She was also active at the local senior center until her passing, enjoying time spent with many friends she’d make along the way. Notably, the love she shared with her only son, Cleve is really something of awe. Every mother and son should be so lucky to have such a solid and steady companionship. They always did everything together. They gardened, went to the senior center, and dined regularly at Cindi’s Deli and Del Frisco’s. They even enjoyed going gambling at Winstar and Las Vegas. Cleve’s consistent presence kept her spirit young. She lived a long life full of meaning. We are all better for having known her. She will be greatly missed and forever celebrated.Visitation for Virginia Wiley Franklin will be held Monday, November 18, 2019 at 1:30 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral service for Virginia will be held at 2:30 PM Monday, November 18, 2019 in the Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home located at 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75243.
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