CULLMAN, Ala. – Tabitha Franklin’s friends and family gathered at Sportsman Lake Park on Saturday, Aug. 22, to remember the young woman who went missing Aug. 13, 2009. Seventeen years later, there are still no answers as to her whereabouts.
Her three children, Gavin, Dawson and Hannah Franklin, released butterflies in her memory. Tabitha Franklin loved butterflies and the family noted that jean skirts and hoop earrings were her signature look. Her daughter, Hannah, along with several others, wore them to honor her.
“Today we’re raising awareness for our mother who went missing 17 years ago. Unfortunately we haven’t gotten the outreach we’d like to have, but this time it seems like we’ve gotten a lot of community help,” Gavin Franklin stated.
They each showed appreciation for local musician Jesse Priest, who attended and performed at the event, bringing more attention to their mother’s disappearance. He also expressed that with more traction brought to her case, the more likely it will be for someone to hold themselves accountable and bring forward any information that may help to bring their mother home.
Tabitha Franklin was last seen Aug. 13, 2009, around 8:30 p.m. in Cullman County on County Road 1136.
She was 28 at the time of her disappearance. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, was 5 ‘6’’ and weighed 140 lbs. There is a $20,000 award for information leading to her whereabouts. Those with any information are advised to call Cullman County Sheriff’s Office at 256-734-0342.
Franklin’s loved ones said she is more than a missing person. She is held dearly in their hearts even still, and that will never change.
Her children described her personality as fiery and recounted what they remembered about her.
“She loved hiking,” Dawson Franklin noted. “Anything nature-wise she loved to do. She would pick up a dead snake – or even a live snake.”
Hannah Franklin nodded. “She was very spontaneous. If she wanted to go eat barbecue in Tennessee, then we would leave in two hours.”
Gavin Franklin shared his favorite memory of her: “Her ability to be a fiery and fierce woman, but also be equally as vulnerable at the same time.”
“She was the type to wear high heels and kick them off to go play football,” Dawson Franklin added.
Family and friends said they want answers and they will not stop until they have them.
More: www.cullmantribune.com/2026/06/23/17-years-later-tabitha-franklins-family-still-searches-for-answers
