Francis Jacobs

Francis Fulton Jacobs, 68, of Brandon, Florida, entered the Church Triumphant Friday, January 20, 2012. Francis was born July 23, 1943, in Clarksdale, MS, to Edna and T. O. Fulton, who preceded her in death. Her younger brother, Harold, also preceded her in death. Survivors include Francis’s husband, Jim Jacobs, with whom she shared forty-one years; brother Skip Fulton and his wife Joyce of Oxford, MS; daughter Edna Kate Jacobs of Brandon; daughter Celia Jacobs Shore and her husband Patrick of Decatur, GA; and beloved nieces and nephews. Francis graduated from Clarksdale High School and earned the BA Degree in English from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. She studied at Emory’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. She taught English at Pass Christian High School in Pass Christian, MS and Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA. She taught English and religion at Immanuel Lutheran School in Brandon. Francis was an active member of Saint Andrew’s UMC in Brandon, serving in many positions, including annual conference delegate; Stephen minister; lay leader; confirmation teacher; and facilitator of the River of Life cluster of Brandon-area United Methodist churches. Francis shared her deep love for God and His word with the Susanna (29 years) and Wesley (12 years) Sunday school classes and a Thursday morning Bible study (21 years). Francis was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in April 2010. Before losing her speech, she preached on Laity Sunday 2010. Visitation will be at Stowers in Brandon on Monday from 6 to 8 pm. The funeral will be held on Tuesday at Saint Andrew’s UMC, 3315 Bryan Road, Brandon, 33511. The service of celebration will be led by the Reverend Dr. Bob Gibbs; the Reverend Arlinda Burks; and the Reverend Susan Lewis. Following the graveside service at Alderman-Pelote Cemetery in Lithia, family and friends will gather for a reception in the Family Life Center at Saint Andrew’s. Gifts in memory of Francis may be made to Saint Andrew’s UMC. Arrangements under the direction of Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon, FL.