Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 24, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Daphne Franklin Ledford, 89, of Charlotte, NC died peacefully Thursday, March 24, 2022.  She was born in Charlotte to Daphne Brigman Franklin and Walter Pleasant Franklin and the family moved to Raleigh, NC shortly thereafter.

Daphne met her future husband, Wesley Ledford, at Broughton High School from which she graduated in 1950.  They continued dating throughout her years studying at Wake Forest University graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in music playing both the accordion and piano.  The couple married in 1957 and moved to Charlotte, NC where they raised their two children.  Daphne loved family and friends and enjoyed a full life of traveling and volunteering. She volunteered at Charlotte Speech & Hearing, the American Red Cross and was very involved with her children’s schools.  She also enjoyed playing golf at Charlotte Country Club, playing Bridge, as well as gardening.  Daphne divided her time between Charlotte and her beloved Wrightsville Beach, which is where she and her husband had their first date.  She was also the co-founder of “Charlotte Visitours,” a local tour company.  Daphne enjoyed introducing Charlotte to visitors, taking them to museums, sightseeing for church groups and retirement groups.

Her early diagnosis of Celiac Disease, which at the time was considered a rare autoimmune illness, lead her down a path of spreading self-awareness.  She later founded the Charlotte Celiac Support Group to help raise awareness of the disease.  In 2003 she was the recipient of the James Gray Cannon Award and recognized as a Hometown Hero by WBTV for those who make a difference in their community.

Daphne is survived by her grandson, Wesley Rion Ledford and his wife, Kinzey.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Laurie Wesley Ledford; daughter, Lynn Ledford Brown and son, Wesley (Lee) Franklin Ledford.

A private service was held at Providence Baptist Church where Daphne was a member.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.