Veronica Francis

“Miss G” or “Gloria”, as we refer to her, was born as Veronica Louise Garriques at Church Road, St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica on January 5, 1937. At birth, she was only 3 pounds. Since then, she has been unflappable in all of life’s disappointments, injuries, and slights.

Her first childhood companion was her younger sister, Dorothy, whom she called “Luggie”. In those days, the superstition was that if you said that a baby was ugly then she would remain pretty throughout life. However, Gloria could not say “ugly”. She would say “luggy” and that nickname has stuck till this day.

Miss G migrated to the United States in 1968 where she met and married Roland Francis. She, and her husband, were blessed with two remarkable, intelligent children - Fritz, her eldest son, and Ramona, her daughter. Miss G has 5 grandchildren. Fritz, and his wife Sabine, have 2 children – Gabriella and Ethan. Ramona, and her husband Ronald, have 3 children – Nicole, Aliyah, and Isaiah. Miss G has a very, very large family with many of her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins still alive. This large family is thanks to the matriarch, Mrs. Mavis Campell or “Sister Mae”, who was instrumental in Gloria’s upbringing. She is still alive today and is 101 years old.

As a profession, Miss G worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, for 33 years in Westchester County of New York State. As a parent, Miss G was not overbearing. She loved in a gentle way that allowed her children to achieve emotional and academic success. She did her best to eliminate her children’s obligations to her in her elder years. Because of her sacrifices, Fritz and Ramona, in turn, are good parents and good spouses. For hobbies, Miss G enjoyed reading about nutrition and loved cooking and baking. Her potato pudding is still unmatched in the family.

Miss G was truly an amazing person. She was a shining example of God’s role for us – love towards our fellowmen. Miss G did not understand anger, pettiness, or negativity. She laughed during joyous times, smiled most of the times, and was strong during difficult times – when life showed its unfairness. She was always thankful for God’s grace and mercy. Because she lived in this manner, she is and will be loved by the many of us who remain.

A visitation for Veronica will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068. A committal service will occur Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Bailey Memorial Cemetery, 7801 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baileymemorial.com for the Francis family.