Michelle "Chelly" Caruso Franklin

Michelle Caruso Franklin, 66, of Gastonia passed away on June 15, 2026, at Atrium Health Cleveland. She was born on July 21, 1959, in Norfork, Virginia to Thomas Caruso and the late June Lee Hedley.

She is preceded in death by her mother, and brother, Ernie Caruso.

Chelly had a strong Catholic faith and a profound belief in Jesus Christ. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, entertaining, traveling, camping, and she loved spoiling other people’s children. Chelly’s passion was cooking. She not only loved cooking for others, but she also served as the support for the bakers at area Harris Teeter stores for 20 years.

Those left to cherish her memory include her spouse, John Franklin; father, Thomas Caruso; brother, Walt Cassidy; sister, Denise Cassidy; nieces, Carlie Honsaker, Abigail Buckwalter; and numerous friends and extended family members on her husband’s side.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm, Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Sisk-Butler Funeral Home, 730 Gastonia Hwy, Bessemer City, NC 28016.

Chelly’s funeral service will follow in the chapel at 2:30 pm with Reverend Monica Childers and Deacon Bill Melton officiating.

Interment will be held in Westview Gardens Cemetery, 1123 Edgewood Rd., Bessemer City, NC 28016

Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Franklin family. To offer condolences, please visit www.siskbutler.com.