Obituary

Gwendolyn Francis

June 28, 1945 - March 20, 2020

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4

Gwendolyn Francis affectionately known as BeBe to everyone who knew and loved her. A fun loving and family-oriented soul. Gwendolyn was a woman committed to serving God’s purpose, she saw purpose to be of service to God, her family, her community, and church. That was the embodiment of Gwendolyn Francis, she was born in Bogalusa, LA to the late Zebbie Washington and Ruby Washington.

Gwendolyn graduated from Central Memorial High School Bogalusa, LA.

She met her husband, the late Robert L. Francis, in her youth. They were longtime friends and joined in marriage in a small house wedding On December 16, 1966.

Life blessed Gwendolyn with 2 wonderful children. Her eldest was a son, Robert T. Francis, who resides in Bedminster, NJ with his wife Jennifer Francis and son Cameron Walker. Also, from her son two gorgeous granddaughters Djenay Francis who resides in NJ, and Nia Francis who resides in South Carolina. She was also blessed with a beautiful daughter, Debra Francis-Hendrix wife of Tyrone Hendrix, who currently reside in South Holland IL with their son Savon Hendrix.

She had many lifelong friends who she kept in contact with until her transition. Gwen enjoyed staying in touch with family and friends. Many looked forward to telephone calls, greeting cards, or visits from her as she cherished close relationships with them as well. Her love language was food. She showered her family and friends with wonderful meals, canned preserves and fruit grown from her very own garden. A few of her close friends coined her and her husband’s back yard as “The Garden of Eden” because of the beautiful flowers, fruit, vegetables, and plants found there. Anyone who received a recipe from Gwen could expect a follow-up phone call to ask, “How did it turn out?” She cooked with love and prepared meals to specification for her husband.

Her professional career included working for many years at Whitestone Products, Block Drugs and lastly retiring at GUND Bear Company. Gwendolyn enjoyed reading. She held a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Family and friends called upon her to share and she loved to give financial, legal, spiritual, and historical advice to them. She desired to help her family and friends succeed in life. She would say, “Always reach back and help someone else to get ahead.”  

Gwendolyn moved back to her hometown of Bogalusa LA. in 2005, and from that time until her transition she and her husband owned and operated Ruby Dee’s Snowball Stand, acquired several different properties in which they leased, actively participated in local government improvements, community initiatives and more. An active member of Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, you could find Sister Francis serving as a help meet to her husband Deacon Francis and working with youth members and other auxiliary within the Church.

The providential hand of God moved upon Gwendolyn at St. Tammany Medical Center in Covington, LA. on March 30, 2020, there she made her final transition to be with her Lord. While we trust in God’s Will she is dearly missed by her children, family, and friends.

Memorial service Saturday, April 3, 2021 10:00AM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home chapel in Bogalusa with Rev. Raymond Mims – Pastor officiating.