Pearl May Francis

Pearl May Francis was born on June 28th, 1931 in Manchester, Jamaica. She was born to proud parents, Adella and Ivan Francis. Her father, Ivan, was a pastor and raised her in the church. He often told Pearl that she had to go to church even if she didn't have shoes. While in Jamaica, she worked at the metal box factory. Soon after, she met and married Carlton Drummond, the love of her life. The marriage yielded one child, Shirleyann. Sadly however, Carlton preceded her in death. She became the stepmother to Carlton's five children, three boys and two girls. She migrated to the United States in 1967, where she continued her profession in factory work in New York.

Grimmy, the name she was fondly called by everyone, was given to her by her grandson, Kirk. So, to everyone she was Grimmy.

In 1985, she relocated to the state of Florida with her daughter, Shirleyann and her son-in-law, Lester. After relocating to Florida, her grandchildren became her priority. Grimmy kept everyone in line and would always give her opinion— whether you liked it or not. She enjoyed sharing stories of the past and stories of her grandchildren. Natalie, Grimmy’s eldest granddaughter was the first to make her a great-grandmother. Grimmy dedicated her time during those pregnancies to care for her followed by providing care for the babies. Grimmy took pride in caring for her youngest granddaughter, Erika. Especially when it came to her hair. Grimmy always told the story of how the man down the street would stop them on their way to school to ask, “How long did it take to do her hair?”

Even during her golden years, she was most proud of her ability to continue caring for the great grandchildren, which brought her much joy and happiness.

While Grimmy enjoyed life, she would always tell you that the Lord was the most important thing to her. She loved the Lord with all her heart; reading the Bible and praying was not an optional task, but instead was a requirement of each day. She would end every phone conversation by saying, “I always mention your name when I pray to my God!”

As the years went by, her health became an issue, and eventually became the chief focus of her attention. Even during difficult times, Grimmy had a sense of humor that would always make everyone laugh. In one memorable conversation with her stepdaughter Maureen, she said, and I quote, “When I pass, I want you to go to the bank to get what I give you, but make sure you say ‘Pearl’—my name is not Grimmy!”

Cooking was something she enjoyed doing as well. Lasagna, jerk chicken, rice and peas, along with other Jamaican dishes, were amongst her favorites.

It goes without saying that Grimmy will be greatly missed. We all love her dearly, but Jesus loves her even more.

She is survived by her daughter Shirleyann and son-in-law (Lester). Step children Maureen (Delroy), Winsome, Everald (Suziana), Errol (Andrea), and Winston, who preceded her in death. Her grandchildren are Kirk (Natalie), Natalie (John), and Erika (Joseph). Her step grandchildren are Matcham (Eamon), Cleon, Keriana, Brad, and Kimberlyn. Her great grandchildren, Isaiah, Daemyn, Nathaniel, Clayton, Carter, Vicenza, Cameron and a host of step great grandchildren, other relatives and close friends.

A visitation for Pearl will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery.