Gwendolyn Francis

Louise Gwendolyn Smith-Francis, affectionately known as Darling, Aunty Darling, Aunt Gwenie and Mama, was born on the sweet island of Jamaica, in Claremont, St. Ann, on January 16, 1941 to the late Stephen Samuel Smith and Hannah Adella Adassa Rose, until her untimely passing.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Ethlyn Gordon, Edna Trewick and Winston Smith.

Upon completing her education, Gwendolyn pursued vocational training in the handcraft of hair styling and millinery. Always forward-looking, she later joined the wave of young Jamaicans who migrated to England, embracing this new chapter with grace and courage. England became a defining season in her life - a place where she met Hallet George Francis. Their courtship blossomed into marriage, laying the foundation for what would become a lasting family legacy. Their union was blessed with their first daughter, Carol, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey rooted in love and purpose.

When her then husband, migrated to the United States to lay the foundation for the family's next chapter, Gwendolyn soon followed. Together, they settled in Laurelton, Queens, where they purchased a home that became a gathering place for many - a space filled with warmth, food, laughter, and faith. In the years that followed, their second daughter, Debra-Lee, was born, completing their family.

After dedicating years to caring for her home and raising her children, Gwendolyn re-entered the workforce. Guided by her heart for helping others, she found fulfillment in

home health care, where her nurturing spirit brought comfort to those in need. This calling led her to a career in healthcare, where she discovered a deeper purpose and sense of belonging at New York City Health + Hospitals - Bellevue. There, she faithfully served for more than eighteen years in the Psychiatric Department as a Patient Care Technician. With quiet strength and boundless empathy, she devoted each day to caring for others.

In her later years, Gwendolyn retired to Florida, where she embraced a life centered on faith, fellowship, and family. She found joy in her church community and in the company of loved ones. A devoted grandmother to five - Sean, Stephen, Sheri, Jayden, and Mya - she was affectionately known as "Mama". Her home was a haven of warmth, love and peace - a place where everyone could exhale and feel safe.

Those who knew Gwendolyn remember her as a woman of grace, perseverance, and quiet dignity. Her life stood as a steady testimony of faith and fortitude - never looking back, always moving forward, trusting that whatever she needed to do was still ahead of her.

Gwendolyn's earthly journey concluded on October 10, 2025 when God called his angel home, leaving behind a family and a legacy rich in faith, love, and dedication.

Gwendolyn leaves to cherish her life: a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, neighbors and church friends.

Truly, it is well with her soul

The family will receive friends and relatives for visitation from 2-4 pm on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 CR 46A, Sanford, Florida 32771.

The funeral will be held at 10 am on Monday, October 20, 2025 at the funeral home with interment to follow in Oaklawn Park Cemetery.