Lois Burris-Gatlin, a resident of Franklinton, 81, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018. For more than 40 years, Lois and her mother-in-law, Sylvia Gatlin, owned and operated a café in Franklinton. The café was known for great food, tasty red beans and rice, as well as the best fried chicken.

Lois was born on May 12, 1937, and was the eldest child of Lora Mae Walker-Burris and Osborne Burris. She married Earnest Gatlin and, together, they had a total of seven children. One child, Stephanie, died shortly after birth. She was a member of Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness USA.

She has joined other family members who have left their earthly homes. In less than three months prior to her death, Lois lost two grandsons, Thad Douglas and Rico Anders. She was also preceded by her parents; paternal and maternal grandparents; brother, Bernes E. Burris, who lost his life while serving his country; one daughter, husband; mother-in-law; and one son-in-law, Larry D. Stewart.

She leaves many to cherish her sweet memories: her brother, Osborne (Odelia) Burris, who she would usually refer to as Son; one sister, Mae Helen (Ronnie) Clark; six children, Thad (Lorretta)Gatlin, Dorothy Gatlin-Stewart, Lynetta (James) Gatlin-Brown, Rickey Gatlin, Derek Gatlin and Lora Mae (Bruce) Gatlin-Magee; 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She also leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and café family.

The visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, June 1, at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Franklinton. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at Sweet Home Church, with Pastor Kevin Golden, officiating. Interment will be in Sweet Home Church Cemetery.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Franklinton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.