JoAn Franklin named First Lady of Football
May 13, 2004
Nancy Patterson

JoAn Franklin of Senatobia was honored with the 2004 First Lady of Football award by the All-American Football Foundation's 59th Banquet of Champions April 23 in Memphis. Franklin is the wife of Bobby Franklin, who has coached the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers for the past 23 seasons. "It was a special night and one that I will always remember," Franklin said. "Being a coach's wife has allowed me the privilege of meeting, getting to know and follow the lives and careers of so many remarkable young men.

"They have touched our lives and given us wonderful memories," she added. Franklin has been a highly visible figure at Ranger Stadium each fall throughout her husband's head coaching career. She also has been an instrumental behind-the-scenes supporter, often welcoming Ranger players into her home on weekends and holidays. "I was excited for her," Coach Franklin said. "She's been a big supporter of our football program. Being a coach's wife isn't easy. You've got to be a pretty strong lady." Franklin has worked 17 years at Northwest, spending most of that time in the college's business office. She worked the past year as a secretary in the Development office. She is retiring this spring. "She has been a wonderful football wife," said Sybil Canon, Development director. The All-American Football Foundation, founded in 1994, is supported by 165 colleges and universities nationwide. It was established to honor individuals for distinguished contributions to the game of football in all phases of the game. Banquets of Champions are held each year in selected cities.