Rebecca Franklin “Becky” Tunstall

DURHAM Rebecca Franklin Tunstall (“Becky”), 80, of Durham, transcended this earth and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 15, 2017. Her parents, brother, and three older sisters were awaiting her arrival in heaven. Becky was a life-long resident of Durham. She was born on June 24, 1937 in, literally, a log cabin in Bahama NC. Becky was the youngest child of John Bryant Franklin and Estelle Elizabeth McKee. She had one brother, John Bryant Franklin Jr, whom his sisters affectionately called “Brother”, and three older sisters—Evelyn (Morgavan), Gaynelle (Ward), and Sylvia (Capps)—collectively known as “the Franklin girls”. As the youngest child of the family, it is fitting that Becky would be the last of her family to enter the presence of God. Becky lived the vast majority of her life along Cheek Road in Durham. She graduated in 1955 from Oak Grove School, the last class to matriculate all 12 years of primary schooling at Oak Grove. She attended church her entire life, the last 40 years at Bible Baptist Church. Becky lived her life as if the Rapture was going to happen that day. Although she passed away before the Rapture, hope remains. For when Jesus comes at the Rapture, as one of the dead in Christ, Becky will be among the first to rise and meet Jesus Christ in the air with a body perfect and anew (I Thess. 4:16-17). Becky’s life was predicated on honesty even in the face of adversity. But she always strived to do right, making choices for her family guided by the Word of God. She exhibited unfathomable strength when making tough decisions. We are where we are and have what we have in life based on decisions we make. Our mother made those tough choices for her family. We are all the better for it. Becky is survived by her husband of almost 47 years, Bruce Tunstall of Durham; four children—Ernie Jeffries (Annie) of Charleston SC and Scott Jeffries (Helen) of Columbus OH; Faith Tunstall Neary (Joe) of Durham; and stepsons Tim Tunstall of Mebane NC and Mark Tunstall (deceased); seven grandchildren—Presley, Cullen, and Jacob Neary; AJ Jeffries; and Christopher, Hunter, and Haley Tunstall. Services will be conducted on Friday, August 18th at Bible Baptist Church, 2047 Gate #2, Creedmoor NC, with family visitation from 10 a.m. to noon at the church. Her funeral service begins at noon and will be officiated by Revs. Greg Allison and Jimmy Hall. Graveside service will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens. Becky will be laid to rest alongside other Franklin family members. Following interment, the family will receive friends and relatives at Bruce and Becky’s home. In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests donations be made to Becky’s favorite Christian organization: Durham Rescue Mission, 1201 East Main Street, Durham NC 27701 or at www.durhamrescuemission.org/donate.

A Video Memorial Tribute by Hudson Funeral Home