Francina Arrington

With the passing of FRANCINA EVONNE ARRINGTON, in the quarters of some, the whole of humanity suffered a great loss. Born to Samuel and Henrietta Lloyd on May 18, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland, a mother, sister, aunt, and educator for more than 36 years is already missed within the larger community of Baltimore. In her role as a mother to Carnell and Nicole, there was no one more devoted to being a good mother and setting the right example for her kids to follow, with the strongest emphasis on knowing the difference between right and wrong and never losing sight of the teachings of Christ and a strong Christian faith. She also wore the title of devoted wife while married to Connie Arrington. As a sibling, while the fourth of five, she often reminded everyone of the proper way to treat one another as family, often playing the role of peace-maker and caregiver, even at times when she too was in need. Her custom: to often put others first and herself last, sometimes paying painful consequences for such selflessness of deed. But this was the path she chose because it was the righteous path…the only path that mattered to her. As an educator, for more than 36 years, after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University) and her Masters in Special Education from The Johns Hopkins University, she devoted most of her days to trying to reach and prepare youth and adults in special education in how to successfully use the laboratory of school to prepare a way for themselves through hard work, discipline, and devotion to a process. Along the way, in return, all she asked was that her kids not cheat the effort, and, if they did that the lesson to remember was that they were cheating only themselves. With this mantra, she helped many, and may have saved a few in the long journey which constituted her career. Many might bear witness to this spirit-driven devotion to making a profound difference in the lives of the young, vulnerable and at-risk among us. It was her calling! Francina Evonne Arrington enjoyed earth’s journey. She was fun personified, often reflected with a huge, warm smile that lit up her face…and then the entire room she stood in. At times the smile was accompanied by a hearty laugh that made a statement about the enjoyment of a given moment. Sometimes her pleasure was manifested by a simple hug, kiss and “how are you, sweetie”. You just knew when Fran was there. In the heavens, at this hour, the bright lights of Glory shine brightly. But on this earth, in this City… in our community, a dark cloud still hovers over all of us who feel the pain of losing our loved one. Among those who mourn her departure from us are: her children, Carnell Arrington and Nicole Rodriguez; her daughter- in-law, LaKisha Arrington; her grandchildren, Kobe Arrington and Jabari Arrington; her siblings, Samuel Lloyd, Louise Oliver, Patricia Jennings and Michael Lloyd; her surviving aunts and uncle, Fairbelle Halle, Vivian L. Davis and Clifton H. Anderson; and her nieces and nephews, Dwayne Jennings, Mitchell Oliver, Julian Lloyd, Shana Lloyd, Monyette Oliver and her daughter Mia Oliver. But despair we will not. Fran is with the Angels, continuing her good work and preparing to give us all a warm greeting upon our arrival in Paradise to be with her yet again… in the ultimate re- union inside the pearley gates. May this proud Poet of Baltimore’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School rest in eternal peace… in God Almighty’s hands!

Tributes

Francina Arrington

May 18, 1951 - September 16, 2013