With gratefulness to Almighty God, we celebrate the amazing life of Elizabeth Francis, who departed this life on October 22, 2024 at the remarkable age of 115. Born on July 25, 1909, in Jeanerette, Louisiana, Elizabeth was the beloved daughter of John Francois and Virginia Mathews Francois. She moved to Galveston, Texas as a teenager and then to Houston, Texas where she lived in the Fourth Ward area for many years. In 1999, she moved to the Acres Homes – Garden City area of Houston where she lived with her daughter, Dorothy Williams, and became more involved with raising her great grandchildren.
Elizabeth devoted her life to her faith and family. She received Christ Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age and became a dedicated member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in 1939. She was an active servant in the Mission I and Senior Adult Ministries under the Pastoral leadership of Reverend Albert A. Lucas, then Reverend Crawford W. Kimble and finally Reverend Dr. D. Z. Cofield. When Elizabeth was no longer able to attend church services, she found great joy in visits and calls from the church members, especially for Holy Communion and her birthdays.
Her longevity and vibrant spirit earned numerous accolades, including recognition from the Mayor of Houston, U. S. Representatives, the Governor of Texas, and past and present Presidents of the United States of America. For the last six months of her life, she held the distinction of being the oldest living person in the United States and the third oldest in the entire world. Elizabeth attributed her long life to her unwavering faith in God, a healthy lifestyle that included not smoking or drinking, and the nourishing meals she often prepared using fresh vegetables from her own garden.
Elizabeth made her mark working in the coffee shop and deli at KTRK Channel 13 in Houston for over 20 years, where she forged friendships with local news anchors, including Dave Ward, Marvin Zindler, and Melanie Lawson. Elizabeth loved to engage in conversation with her family and friends and would often quote a cherished family saying, "big six and little four, billed out and booked to go," which she took from her father’s words of wisdom.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents John and Virginia Francois, brothers John Jr. and Douglas Francois, sisters Bertha Johnson, Ethel Hearsey, and Susie Edwards, as well as her granddaughter Elizabeth Williams and great-grandson Christopher Williams.
She leaves to cherish her memory; her daughter Dorothy Williams; grandson Van Arnold Williams (Yolanda), granddaughter Ethel Williams Harrison (James), great-grandsons Derrick Williams and James Harrison II, great-granddaughters Cheryl Christin Kissentaner, Whitney Harrison Jackson (Clent), great-great-grandsons Duron Williams, Taurean Sales, and Sergio Lopez Jr., great-great-granddaughter Amarie Williams, and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.
Elizabeth Francis lived a life full of love, faith, and resilience. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
