Brien E Franklin Jr.

Brien E. Franklin, Jr., born on July 7, 1988, in South Bend, Indiana, returned peacefully to his eternal rest on October 28, 2025, in the same city where his journey began. A man of strength, love, and unwavering loyalty, Brien lived a life filled with genuine care for others and a fierce devotion to his family. He obtained his GED and studied at Ivy Tech Community College making his family proud.

Brien carried a heart full of compassion and hands skilled in craftsmanship. From an early age, he discovered a talent and passion for fixing things — especially cars — ensuring everything worked just the way it should. More than just a mechanic, he was a helper by nature, always ready with a solution, always willing to lend a hand — or even the shirt off his back.

His joyful soul shone in every turn of his roller skates and every rev of a motorbike. Brien loved life’s simple pleasures: shopping, skating, riding, and most of all, the moments shared with his children — Brien Franklin III, Brooklyn Franklin, Basil Franklin, and Braylei Franklin — who were the light of his life and the dreams of his days.

Brien's energy and presence were felt deeply by his loved ones. He leaves behind his devoted mother, Anna M. Harris (Douglas) of South Bend; his treasured grandmother, Arlene Higgs of Chicago; Special friend: Jaqueace Parker, his loving twin brother, Brandon E. Franklin; and caring sisters, Erica L. Doaks and Nicole L. Alexander, all of South Bend. His legacy is also held close by his aunt Safia Mahammad of Chicago, uncle Erick Franklin of South Bend special nieces Demetria Anderson, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts & uncles, great aunt and uncles, and a host of many more whose lives he touched.

He is now reunited in rest with his father, Brian Franklin Sr., grandmother Doris J. Douglas-Spiess, great-grandmother Lucille Bridges, Great grandparents Lucille and Tommie Douglas, and uncles Valentino Douglas and Howard Franklin. Godmother Cecilia Newbill. Their spirits surely embrace him with love as he makes his passage onward.

Known for his playful authority — reminding all with a smile that he was the oldest and what he said goes — Brien was a beacon of love, creativity, and strength within his family. Though his earthly voice has quieted, his presence echoes in the laughter of his children and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Services to honor his beautiful life will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, at Laymen Chapel Church in South Bend, IN. Private Viewing 10-10:20 AM, followed by the service at 11 AM. May his memory continue to guide and inspire, like the steady hum of an engine running just right.   Arrangements are entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where memories may be shared

Pallbearers Brandon E. Franklin, Fredrick Patton, Landis Talton, Erick Franklin, Alijah Valentino Hasan Douglas, Eddy D. McGee, Sir Landon Douglas

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