Pierre Anisso Francois

Pierre Anisso Francois, affectionately known to his loved ones as Brother Marc, was born on August 28th, 1945 in Gros-Morne, Haiti in the section of Pendus to the late Joseph Lifaite Francois and Marie Louise Pierrelus.

Pierre spent the first 21 years of his life in Pendus and then, with the encouragement of his older sister, Islaine Joseph, in 1967, he migrated to Nassau, Bahamas. Never the one to let technicalities stop him, he first accepted the position of delivery driver for a chicken farm in Nassau and then taught himself to drive. Pierre’s work on the chicken farm allowed him to make a living and send money back home to Haiti. Towards the end of 1969, he went back to Haiti to marry the love of his life Francoise Nicolas on January 3rd 1970. After three months in Haiti, he returned to Nassau to continue working. Pierre felt he had accomplished all he could in Nassau, so, in February 6th of 1973, he left for Miami, Florida. While in Miami, he worked as a construction worker where he learned speak Spanish fluently, and after three years, he departed for Washington, D.C. He eventually settled in Maryland in the early 90s where he spent the remainder of his life.

In 1991, Pierre gave his life to Christ and he became a member of the Haitian Christian Church of Silver Spring (HCCSS). He wore many hats as a member of HCCSS. He served as a Deacon, and this role allowed him to assist Pastor Wladimir Pinchinat with the needs of the members, and kept the church in order. Pierre loved music, so he enjoyed serving as a Song Leader. As the main Song Leader, he was responsible for leading the congregation during worship. He also served as a Preacher and Elder. The latter position allowed him to mentor and guide fellow church members.

Pierre was a Philanthropist. In 1998, he joined the organization Operation de Solidarite pour le Development Communautaire de Pendus (OSDCP). The objective of the organization is to improve the lives of the Haitians living in Pendus, Haiti. As one of the 36 members of OSDCP, Pierre helped to build roads, churches, grocery stores, flea markets, a cemetery and a hotel.

Pierre was a dedicated and diligent worker. From September 6th, 1983 to December 27th, 2022, Pierre served as the Supervisor of Maintenance and Porter at The Claridge House. For 39 years, he maintained the facility, and attended to clients needs. He was well loved, and respected by the employees, clients, and share-holders. Additionally, Pierre was an entrepreneur and operated several businesses such as a taxi service and a handyman company.

Though Pierre wore many hats, his most important roles were husband and father. As a family man, Pierre ensured that all of the needs of his wife and children were taken care of, which sometimes meant working two or three jobs. He, also, instilled this same work ethic in his children. His countless sacrifices for his family and friends will positively affect generations to come, as we are standing on the shoulders of a giant.

During his later years, he struggled with his health but always managed to overcome his myriad of illnesses. During his physical rehabilitation, in the midst of overcoming another illness, Pierre had a heart attack on August 22nd 2023 at the age of 77, six days prior to his 78th birthday. Pierre fought the good fight and now he is resting with Jesus Christ.

Pierre leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 53 years, Francoise Nicolas; Daughters, Sonia Louis, Anise Anisso, and Richeline Anisso Fung; Sons, Marc Leonard, Nelson Anisso, Marklin Leonard Francois, and Richard Francois. Pierre also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

His wake will be held Friday, September 15, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. Last viewing and farewell will occur Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Forcey Bible Church, 2130 East Randolph Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904 where his funeral service will immediately follow at 10:00 AM. He will be laid to rest at 1:00 PM in George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783.

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

Floral tributes in his honor may be ordered through www.mycreativefloral.com.