Darla Elaine Franklin (Nelson), 63, of Sullivan, passed away Friday, August 6, 2021, at her home.

On June 22, 1958, Darla was born to the union of Obie Nelson and Betty (Cahill) in Washington.

She graduated from St. Clair High School in 1976 and was a proud St. Clair Bulldog.

On September 28, 2002, Darla was united in marriage to Benjamin Franklin in Las Vegas.

She was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in St. Clair as well as Reedville Baptist Church in Sullivan.

Darla worked at Von Weise Gear in St. Clair for over 25 years.

She lived life to the fullest and has had many memorable experiences in her life. Darla enjoyed playing the sweepstakes; she won many things, a trip to Las Vegas to meet Keith Urban, a $10,000 donation to hospice, computers, camping and hunting gear, gift cards, sports memorabilia and of course CASH! She also enjoyed being outdoors, boating, fishing or camping. Darla loved cards and bingo; she took a few bus trips with her bingo friends. Cardinals baseball was a staple in Darla's life, she would even get to the games early just to watch them practice. She was fortunate enough to have met David Freese, John Mozeliak, Jack Clark and Yadier Molina (her personal favorite) as well as visits to the Cardinal Club House and team dugout. She even won a sweepstake for her husband, Benjamin to participate in a batting practice with retired Cardinal baseball players. Darla enjoyed NASCAR and even won a sweepstake to watch the race in Talladega. Her favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Jr. Along with sports, Darla loved the St. Louis Blues. She enjoyed traveling and going on cruises, specifically to Cancun, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Darla occasionally would like to go gambling at the boat. Even with all these wonderful experiences and memorable opportunities, most of all Darla loved her family and grandchildren very much. She cherished all the time she spent with all of them. She will be loved and missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Obie Nelson and Betty Cahill.

Darla is survived by her husband, Benjamin Franklin of Sullivan; son, Nathan Cartwright and wife Krista of Imperial; two brothers, Carl Pursley of St. Clair, Terry Nelson and wife Marilyn of St. James; sister, Denise Gore and fiancé Kyle Doyle; three grandchildren, Cooper, Zoe and Zane; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial donations can be made to BJC Hospice.