Margaret Ann Byas-Franklin was born on December 20, 1956 to Matthew and Ruby Byas in St. Louis, Missouri. She was educated in the East St. Louis School System. She graduated from East Saint Louis Senior School. She later went on to matriculate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as well as at Southwestern Illinois College working towards her Bachelors degree.

Margaret accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the late Rev. C. Cedric Claiborne at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She served as a youth choir member, participant with the Sanctuary Choir, and a Young Matron in Mt. Zion's Missionary Department. Although still a member at Mt. Zion, Mt. Bethel became like a second home for her. She thoroughly enjoyed studying eschatology and learning about Jesus' return.

Margaret was a fervent believer in showing compassion to others, and at one time served as an advocate for disabled elderly individuals. She took great interest in classic American musicals and music and movies from the 50's and 60's. She readily took adventures across the country, "solo-traveling" to places such as Orlando, Memphis, and New York City. She was able to "swim with the dolphins" at Sea World in Orlando, see the National Civil Rights Museum at Lorraine Motel in Memphis, and attend a Broadway Musical in New York.

Margaret united in marriage to Clifton Franklin in 1980. To this union, one son was born, Jason Franklin. During adulthood, Margaret worked at many occupations. She enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, traveling to Korea and Germany. Margaret's sense of adventure caused her to be disappointed, in one instance, when she was unable to go to Switzerland after being assigned to guard duty. She also worked for Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), as a Postal Worker for the United States Postal Service, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She later was employed by the Marriot St. Louis Grand Hotel, where she diligently served as a concierge.

Margaret had a loving impact on all she knew and God allowed her to remain with us for quite a while after becoming ill. She departed this life, on early Sunday morning - November 19, 2017.

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory a loving son , Jason Franklin. Her grandchildren, Romeo Santa Cruz and Elijah Kirkland. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Ann Drake, and brother, Terrance Byas. Her surviving siblings are David H. Byas, Romona (Steve) Wooten and brother-in-law, Willis Drake Sr. She had a close relationship with her nieces and nephews : Willis (Marilyn) Drake Jr., Monica (Gordon - Deceased) Zinn, Kermit (Danita) Drake, A'Ryanne Byas, Dierdre (Dennis) Rodgers, Cicily Byas preceded her in death, Tipphanie Harold, Stanley Cotton, Keenan McKinney, Terrance Byas Jr., Cedric Byas, Travis Coleman, Terriana Byas, Keyarra Byas, Terez Ivy and Stephanie Wooten. Also left to grieve her memory is a host of great nieces and nephews , loving cousins and other relatives and friends.