Patricia Antionette Francis

On Monday morning, December 24, 2012, our Heavenly Father called His loving daughter PATRICIA ANTOINETTE FRANCIS home. She departed this earthly realm with her mother, sister and daughters at her side. Patricia “Pat” Francis was a brilliant star that stood for excellence in education and everything that she did. She was a strong yet loving advocate for justice for everyone she cared for. Everyone knew that if Pat was on your team, you would win… Patricia was born in Albany, GA on September 8, 1949 to Mercides Robinson and Johnny Ford. Her family moved to Maryland where she attended the segregated, Havre De Grace Consolidated School. Under the watchful eye of her mother and under the guidance of devoted teachers, she was a straight “A” student and began to develop into a future teacher herself. After desegregation, she attended Havre De Grace High School and overcame racial adversity in her new school. She continued to earn straight “A’s”. As the oldest of five children, she inspired her younger sisters and brothers to do well in school. Upon completing high school in 1967, she was already a young leader in civil rights. Pat attended NAACP youth meetings, attended the March on Washington and for the rest of her life was devoted to helping her family and those who were mistreated or in need. Pat loved people and wanted to help them. Pat attended Morgan State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1973. She later earned a Master’s of Education in Special Education from Coppin State College in 1979. She served as a highly regarded educator and Special Education Department Chair for the Baltimore City Public School System for 34 years before retiring in 2011. Pat loved to plan parties, family trips and various events. She would often say to her daughters how, “the only thing that mattered was that everyone had a good time.” Pat and her late husband Ernie “Prep” Francis always provided people with a helping hand, a place to stay and a friend to talk to. Pat loved her students and her family tremendously and they loved her the same. She taught for many years at Lake Clifton High School, Douglass High School and W.E.B. DuBois High School. Her students loved her and respected her “no nonsense” style of education. She was always there to promote and support a meaningful cause. Pat was always a great source of information. She was command central for the news and kept family up to date on current events, politics, foreign policy and most importantly… the weather. Pat loved to eat good food, buy nice clothes and was known for looking good in a great suit with the high heeled shoes to match. She always looked good. Patricia Antoinette Francis leaves to cherish her memory: a loving mother, Mercides R. Griffin; sisters and brothers, Dr. Larry J. Ford (Irene), Wayne E. Griffin Sr. (Annette), Pamela E. Griffin, and Pelbea V. Griffin-Jones (Ezell); daughters, Dr. Nicole M. Francis, Vanessa N. Francis; son-in-law, Russell L. Hawkins, Jr.; grandchildren, Christopher P. Hawkins, Chad J. Hawkins, and NiKayla M. Hawkins; nieces and nephews, Candace M. Griffin-Gwynn, Wayne E. Griffin, Jr., Lauren J. Ford, Leslie V. Cruz, Zaire A. Griffin-Miles and god-children, Johnice L, Powell and Alan Smith. Although we will remember Pat as an educator and advocate for many, we will always honor her as an exceptional daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Patricia will be missed for her loyalty, courage, sense of humor, intelligence and her ability to love. She resided in the prestigious Morgan Park neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore, MD. She was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church and recently became a member of New Psalmist Baptist Church. As her family and friends and as believers in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it is our plan to live righteous lives so that we can one day, in the future, see Pat again and have a “good time”.

Tributes

Patricia Antionette Francis

September 8, 1949 - December 24, 2012