My mother was the kindest, gentlest and most selfless soul that I have ever known. Her grace, charm, peaceable nature and calm disposition, I have viewed with admiration all my life. She was a woman of great faith and truly lived in the assured expectation of that in which she had great confidence. Her faith led her to face illness with courage and trials with hope. That same faith made her determined to do good, secure in the knowledge that good would conquer evil.

Mommy loved me as I loved her, wholeheartedly, unconditionally and without let up. My mother gave to me and my siblings a lifetime of sacrifice, love and devotion.   Though she loved  her children and grandchildren completely she still made room to love and care for others.  She made friends with our friends, got to know their children, remembered their names (especially the boys) and was as proud of their achievements as if they were her own. She shared freely with those who needed help and where she could not help, she enlisted the help of those who could.

My mother agreed with the Wise Man Solomon that a good name was to be chosen over abundant riches and that to be held in high esteem was  better than silver or gold. With this knowledge, she lived her life with honour. She set high standards for herself and a high bar for her children as well. Mommy taught us to live as she lived. She taught us to work hard, to be loyal, to honour vows, to care for the sick, to be independent, to be content, to not complain, to never stop learning, to think of others first, to be kind, to do good, to be good persons and to love God.

My mother never left us and so I have precious memories which span all of my life. I remember her twisting my slippery hair, teaching me how to write (with the right hand and not the left), holding my hand on the  first day of school (she was so sure that I would cry like the rest but I didn't), learning New Maths  so that she could help me with my homework, caring for me when I was sick,  sitting at her sewing machine and making me a dress, sitting beside me during my  first aero plane ride, teaching my brother and sister to drive in her Ford Anglia motor car  (License Plate LD739),  attending every one of our graduation ceremonies.

I remember her beige outfit, how lovely she looked and  the smile on her face on the day when I was called to the Bar. I remember how she stayed up to greet me at 1:00 am or however late, every time I travelled to see her and how I could sense her smiling face every time I phoned. I remember her calling me to wish me a good day and I remember her voice mail messages which always made me smile. And of course, I remember  her signature sign off for her voice mail messages -“This is your Mommy.” The sound of her gentle voice is a song that I will never forget.
I think of my mother countless times each day – not so much to remember that she is no longer here- but with so much gratitude for the life that she was able to share with me.  I am grateful to have known her, to have learned from her, to have been loved by her for so many years. I wish that my mother's life could have been longer and I miss her every day, but I am so very  thankful to have been blessed to have her as my mother. Hers was a life well lived. My memories of her are all so very good and those I will treasure till we meet again.

Always With Love,

Janney

My Dearest "Grandma"

You have enriched our lives beyond measure the day our home became yours. My children Chloe, Shannon, Zachary and Samantha became the center of your world, you loved them unconditionally, they were perfect in your eyes. You shared and kept their secrets, you listened to their music, watched their favorite movies, helped with homework and cooked their favorite meals for them. Your very presence has taught them to be a little bit more patient and understanding, to be courageous and determined and to show empathy and kindness. You rocked their world.

My husband, your son Richard was destined for greatness, you've sacrificed all and he has made you very very proud. Your eyes would sparkle and your dimples would deepen because your smile was so wide when he entered the room. You've cherished and saved every article written about him, read them over and over again and shared them fondly with family and friends. For him, you were the perfect mother "My Mommy" and he loved you so very much.

As for me, there will never be another Daughter in Law in the whole wide world that was showered with so much love by a Mother in Law as I was. You trusted me with your life and you paid me the highest compliment every time you introduced me as your "Daughter"

Your faith in Jehovah and love and commitment to family were the very essence of your journey through life. Although you are very sadly missed, Richard, the kids and I take comfort and laughter from the many precious memories created along the way.

I loved you so very much,

Your Daughter Juanitta

Dear Michelle & Janet....The formalitis are over and many, if not all of us, have returned to our life's routines. For you though, nothing will be the same. Your love for and commitment to your mom was certainly obvious to anyone with whom you had contact. As you continue with your lives without your mom, may your hearts be filled with the wonderful memories you made together. May the momories bring you comfort and peace and may light and hope radiate through the knowledge that you are only separated for a time.

I will miss Mrs. Francis mostly for her very calm nature, peaceful spirit and encouraging words of wisdom.  She always had a good word to say to you and you just could not help loving her as she had so much love to give. 

I so loved talking to her because I could always hear the sweetness in her voice when she spoke with me......Even though it may have been a loving reminder not to shout at my son, Bradley, whom she loved like her own grandson.  

I recall the kindness she showed to my friend Jackie Lodenquai when she sent her breakfast the morning after her husband was admitted in ICU at University Hospital in Jamaica after suffering from a  massive heart attack.  She never knew Jackie but she thought that she would have been hungry after a hard night, and hungry she was because the food was completely devoured.  Yes, Mrs. Francis was very kind and thoughtful that way.

She also showed so much concern and love for my mother especially during her latter years when she had alzheimer's disease.....always checking up on her.  Mrs. Francis was a beautiful person indeed. 

No one else called my name the way she did.   I just could not help loving her.

May her memories live on in our hearts forever.

So sorry to hear of your loss.  During this time of sorrow may you be comforted by God's promise that he is near to those that are broken at heart. May the thought of seeing your loved one again bring you peace.

Dear Michelle, Richard, Janet, Juanitta, Chloe, Shannon,Zac & Sam,
We are so sorry for the loss of mommy and grandma.  Do find comfort in the fact that she is only "sleeping" for a little while and is in the memory of the God whom she loved most. 
Our very best,
Rosie & Terence
(Grand Cayman)

To the Francis family, our sincere condolence to the passing of your precious loved one. May the many memories embrace you through this phase of life's journey.

Gone, but by no means forgotten.



Your daughter,

Michele

Dearest Merlyn, I can hardly find words to express my pain and sadness.  You were more than just a cousin to me, you were my big sister.  I recall to mind the many, many times you were there for me - holding my hand  when I was a little girl, looking out for me even when I became an adult.  You were always patient, thoughtful and kind.
I am missing you now, however; with Jehovah's loving provision there is indeed the hope of seeing each other again. You are only asleep for a moment.
Love always, Thelma

The suddenness of everything has hit me quite hard. The emotional pain lingers, but I am trying my utmost. No day passes without my thinking of you. 

I write everyday.




Your daughter,

Michele

As a child, I prayed incessantly that you would be one of those millions who would live through Armageddon and be ushered in Jehovah's New World. Despite what has happened, I thank Jehovah for sparing your life long enough to see Richard, Janet and I through.

Thanks so much.

Patiently waiting,


Your daughter,


Michele

If they gave me a fortune, my pleasure would be small. I could lose it all tomorrow and never mind at all. But if I should lose you someday, I don't know what I'd do,
For I KNOW  I'd NEVER find another you!





Your daughter,

Michele

Mommy,

I love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





Your daughter,
Michele

Mommy,

The tears flow so freely when I think of you. This is oh so hard for me, but I get so much encouragement daily.

At the meeting on Sunday, Sis. Norman told me that you are definitely asleep in Jehovah's memory. I  know that, but I did feel a little better hearing it again.



Your daughter,

Michele

Mommy,

I will miss your voice, but I  did save a few voice mails from you. I will surely preserve them.


Your daughter,

Michele

Mommy,

I could not see myself involved in planning a funeral for you - it does not appear real. Richard, Janet and Juanitta were really involved, but I JUST COULD NOT DO IT!!!!!!  I think everyone will understand.

Until Jehovah wakes you up, 

I'll wait,


Michele

Mommy,


I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Your daughter,

Michele

Mommy,

The pain in my heart is sharp, piercing and severe. I receive several calls daily wondering how I am going to manage - the hard truth? - I do not know.

I cannot believe this is happening, but I am trying my best to cope.

Even the skies cried so much for you on Saturday. You were one in a million. There is not and will not be another you.

I console myself by saying you are gone out and will soon be back.


Your daughter,
Michele

Please accept our Condolences at the untimely passing of your Mum. Mrs. Francis will be missed but memories of her will continue to reign with us. May she R.I.P. and her light perpetually shine.

ROBINSON - #6 Carnation

Richard, Michele and Janet:

I am so sorry that I could not be with you In this time of sorrow. I am greatly saddened by the passing of my sister, Merlyn.  my condolences to your entire family and may God cover you all.

Aunt Muriel

To Francis Family:
My condolences to your family on the passing of my aunt. I remember meeting her several times when I was much younger.  I visited the home in  Beachwood ave a couple times and I would see her when she came to Montego Bay.  I would call her when I go home to visit in Jamaica.  She would always have something good to say.

May you all find comfort in arms of the Lord

Marlene McNeil (neice)

I was deeply saddened by the news of Aunt Merlyn's passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.

I was deeply saddened by the news of Aunt Merlyn passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.

My mother lived a long life, but not long enough. Her mortality is the only disappointment in a life worthy of celebration. She was the most important person in my life. She was a wife to my father, a mother to Michele, Janet and I, a grandmother of four, a friend to all, and a shining example of a beautiful person. For much of my life she was the center of my universe. 

For those who knew her, I need not use descriptive superlatives. Her life was a superlative. She was the most decent person I knew. A professor of mine always said, “everything in life is about standards”. Throughout my whole life I've proven him to be true. Every choice, every decision, every task, every move you make is really about standards. What we choose to watch, the things we say, the jokes we make, the friends we keep all reflect our particular standards. I realized she spent her whole life demonstrating this to me, and I am so much a better person for it.

Mother was dedicated to faith and family. She lived a life of fidelity to Christianity. There was no greater devotion to family and especially to her children and grandchildren. Many of you have never met her grandchildren, Chloe, Shannon, Zachary and Samantha, but you might have heard how she always spoke of them. The name Zachary is already legendary among some who have never met him, and will be the stuff of fond folklore for years to come. No grandmother could love her grandson more than she loved hers.

For my part, let me testify that I had all the love a son could bear. All of my life she encouraged me, motivated me, and blessed me with opportunity. I could not be the man I am today without her. As children, she made us believe we could be anything we wanted to be, that we could be all we could be. She assured our success by creating the environment, the culture, the love and values necessary.

My mother always told me, “do all the good you can”. Sometimes she would say, “the good men do live after them”. Of course it was Shakespeare who famously said these words. He then said, “the bad is oft interred with their bones”. Well, so let it be with Mommy. Her legacy is one of pure good, her life a testament to what good deeds can achieve. When she died, she left behind far more than she ever took in this life. May she rest peacefully in God's memory.

Thanks: Juanitta, Chloe, Shannon, Samantha, Zachary. Michele, Janet, Maria, Elsa, Thelma, Sylvan, Trescott, Dr. Leroy Sterling.

Richard Francis, M.D.

Dear Janet,

Please  accept my condolences on your mother's passing.  I known your mother was a diamond.  B rilliant, resilient and added that special light and glow to your life and the life of your siblings. Take comfort my friend in the knowledge that you shared your love, support, gratitude, respect and friendship with her and she knew she was loved .

My thoughts and prayers are with the Francis family during this difficult time. May Peace be with you.

My condolences to your family during this time of grief. may the God of all comfort help your family to endure.

My deepest condolences to the Francis Family on the passing of a beloved mother, grandmother and dear friend. Mrs Francis personified what it meant to be a lady of true grace, wisdom and insight, and even though She is no longer with us in flesh, her memory and legacy lives on in our hearts forever.

My sincere Condolences to Mrs. Francis' children and other family members on your loss.  As I remembered her,from working together at the Supreme Court, she was a calm person, she worked hard and always had a smile. R.I.P Merlyn.

Condolences goes out to  Michelle,Richard, & Janet on your Loss.It was a pleasure working with your mother at the Supreme Court, her memory will live on with me as well as others whose life she had touched.                             Anthony Jarrett,formerly of Supreme Court.

Our condolences to Dr. Francis and his family. Ms. Francis will always live on in your hearts and bring you joy for the wonderful memories you have made by knowing her and having her as a part of your family. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. 

Eddie & Daria Taylor

I have enjoyed the time that I spent with a wonderful and extraordinary person, mother and spiritual sister, Mrs. Francis.  Her earthly course was one of courage, loyalty, faithfulness, love and concern for others.  She was surrounded by love, and loved with all her strength.  

Mrs. Francis loved Jehovah with all her heart and I dearly look forward to seeing her again in the new world of righteousness.  To her family, please keep her memories and principles alive. 

“Merlyn Francis”, you will be dearly missed.

OBITUARY

Merlyn Francis

October 10, 1933 – April 14, 2013

Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home

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