Francis W. Green

IN THE BEGINNING: Francis Wilmore Green was born in Philadelphia PA., on September 4, 1926. He was the second child of ten born to Monroe and Ruth Green. In 2008, his step-daughter, Monee, gave him a journal with many questions about his life that he had to respond to. Below is what he shared: "I lived in Philadelphia until the age of 6 then moved with my family to the family farm in Harmony, Maryland. There I learned the intricacies of farm life the hard way. Two cousins and my older brother were my introduction to life on the farm. I had to keep up with them regardless of my tender age. School became a rescue for me. My excellence in learning was an early advantage. Mother had some college but my role became a teacher for my younger brothers and sisters. We would later move from the family farm in Bridgeton New Jersey. I attended and graduated with honors from Bridgeton High School in 1944. World War II changed my focus. I enlisted into the Army Airforce. Wilberforce had a special opening for African-American Air Force officers which I was interested in pursuing but I failed to finish. Instead I studied and worked as an airplane and engine mechanic maintaining all makes of American airplanes. While stationed at Walla, Walla Airforce Base I worked as a clerk typist. I became the squadron's press representative and wrote many articles about activities taking place at the base. While in the service I received the Victory Medal, Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon my discharge from the service I took advantage of the G.I. bill and matriculated at Morgan State College. I received a degree in History in 1952. I later attended and completed the Master's degree program at Howard University School of Social Work in 1965." HIS CAREER: Following his graduation from Morgan he worked at various jobs including the U.S. Post office and the Afro-American newspaper's advertising department. Many interesting jobs in social work followed his graduation from Howard. In 1969, he became a state employee, accepting the position as Director of the Equal Employment and Affirmative Action for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). He always believed that his greatest accomplishment in this position was a mandatory program he developed that focused on racial sensitivity. Three hundred and fifty persons completed this program. He was able to facilitate this program for many community groups both locally and nationally. States he traveled to included, Pennsylania, Ohio, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Arizona, North Carolina, District of Columbia, Virginia, Delaware and Illinois. As the crusade for Civil Rights was takng place through demonstrations and marches, Francis was quietly traveling to prepare people to respect each person regardless of race. He later joined the DHMH Staff Development and Training department retiring in 1986 after 14 years as Chief of the department. In 1976, he was asked to teach a course at Johns Hopkins University School of Continuing Education entitled 'Ethnic Minorities'. It was well received. He later was recruited to teach management courses which included Service Management and Evolution in Management. He remained an adjunct faculty member, retiring in 1995. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: He served on the boards of House of Ruth and Forrest Park Senior Center. He was frequently asked to counsel troubled male youth. Quite successful with this he went on to spend time with troubled youth at one of the local high schools. He volunteered at the House of Corrections as a mentor for one of the inmates self-help programs (U.N.D.E.R). Always seeking for what else he might do to "make this a better world" (his words) he became a facilitator for Interfaith Action for Racial Justice's five-year project entitled 'The Baltimore Metropolitan Area's Call to Community--An Honest Conversation about Race, Reconciliation and Responsibility'. He facilitated over 22 groups consisting of 6-15 persons for 6 weeks, 2-1/2 hours each. The dialogue included many facets of racism with action steps to be taken by everyone to eliminate the 'vile' disease. These discussions took place in colleges, churches, a half-way house and civic groups. He was frequently asked to facilitate retreats for various groups including the NAACP, churches and other civic groups. Frequently the focus was for 'Team Building', something he exceeded in. He was often recognized with various plaques for his service. He was member of the Governor's Commission Taskforce addressing Black and Minority Health's working closel with Dr. Loretta Richardson's Taskforce. Francis worked with the Boys Scotts of America as Club Scoutmaster and coached little league softball. "What Unities Us is far greater than what divides us." John F. Kennedy HIS SERVICE TO THE LORD: Francis early Christian education began with his mother's teaching and his faithful attendance at Bridgeton's John Wesley United Methodist Church. He attended many churches in Baltimore. He eventually joined Heritage United Church of Christ in 1978. At Heritage, he served on the Diaconate Board, becoming Emeritus in 2008. He was an active member of the Social Justice Ministry. Francis loved singing. Most Sundays Francis could be found in the choir loft singing baritone in either the Sanctuary Choir or the Male Chorus. One of Francis most cherished memory was having traveled to the Holy Land, both with Reverend Phillips and and again with his wife Joan. "Hands that serve are better than hands that pray." Susan Taylor, Essence HIS HOBBIES AND TRAVEL: Francis loved singing, dancing, traveling, sports and photography. His love of the Orioles led him to volunteer to facilitate discussion with the support staff in the areas of Service Delivery. His surprised reward was a trip to the Orioles Fantasy Camp where he received an official Oriole uniform suit and all. He did not allow any dust to gather under his feet he traveled to Egypt, India, Greece, Alaska, Hawaii and various other states and cruises. LIFE REFLECTIONS: Francis was a very kind sweet husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He loved people. Strangers became friends very quickly. He never missed an opportunity to lend a hand to whomever was in need. His favorite past time was going to the Oriole games, playing cards and singing with his brothers, son and nephew. He had a great memory for numbers. He could tell you every zip code he learned at the post office. He knew every person's phone number, once told. He could add a group of numbers quicker than the adding machine. As late as this past July, he could beat anyone in cards. He truly led a full life with many, many experiences while meeting many wonderful people along the way. HIS NEW BEGINNING: On December 16, 2016 Francis entered eternal rest after 8 years of battling dementia. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 34 years Joan, his son from his first wife, Stephen, his step daughters Monee (Larry), his sep son Rafi (Caritha), four grandchildren, Kia (Cory), Kellen, Quan, Michael, one great granddaughter Nia, three brothers Kenneth (Virginia), Eugene (Toni), Medford (Alma) and three sisters, Doris, Delores, Otelia (Elroy), two sister in-laws Betty Wooten and Peggy Green and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

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Francis W. Green

September 4, 1926 - December 16, 2016