Frances H. Myers

Frances was born on September 16, 1925 in Harlem, New York to Emma Pemperton and Samuel Brown. She was the fourth child out of five. Although she was almost the baby of her family, she spent her life being the big sister to her older sisters and younger brother.

As a young girl, during the Great Depression, Frances and her family were members of the Father Divine Mission. There is where she learned lessons in self-discipline and community.

Frances attended Central Commercial High School at a time when Black people were dissuaded from studying secretarial skills. She refused to be labeled as less than and graduated in 1943.

In 1943, Frances also met the love of her life, Pete Myers. Some may disagree and say that she favored Ray Charles more. Nonetheless, Frances and Pete were married for 68 years. From that union, three sons were born: Reginald, Jerome, and Ernest. In the early part of their marriage, they lived in Harlem and later had to move to Astoria Housing, where Frances had difficulty adjusting but later became an outstanding and beloved resident for sixty-two years.

Although Frances never made it to Hollywood to become the actress and singer that she dreamt of being as a child, she worked for the film company, Agfa Geveart Corporation in the 1940s. In the 1950s, she worked for Swingline Staple Company. From 1960-1980, she worked for Macky’s Ticket Agency. In 1980, she began working for the New York Police Department as a bookkeeper until she retired in 1992. Frances was always valued by her employers and revered by her co-workers for her kindness, warmth, humor, and humanity.

Words that describe Frances best are strong, intelligent, honest, pleasant, prideful, dignified, loving, thoughtful, and wise. She would help anyone and often did without desiring any public praise or recognition.

Frances loved boxing which is a sport of will. This could not have been more appropriate to enjoy watching because it reflected her resilience and “will” to live and to win. Winning for Frances was being a decent human being and a model of compassion, forgiveness and excellence for others.

Frances is survived by her sons, Jerry and Ernest. Left to mourn her passing are her grandchildren: Joseph, Lawrence, Tanya, Tammy, Crystal, and Ernest. She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren and a few great-great grandchildren. She will be missed by many family members and life-long friends.

Done in celebration,

The Family

Arrangements under the direction of Thomas M. Quinn & Sons, Astoria, NY.