Velma Earnestine Francis joined the world April 1, 1930, in Castleberry, Alabama. Velma fell asleep in death on November 24th at the age of 92. She was third out of thirteen children born through the union of Lee Moye and Minnie Tompkins.
Velma Moye married Milton Francis on October 1, 1949, in Gary, Indiana. Together, they not only raised their own four children, but also opened their heart and home to other family members. The ‘backroom’ was a home for many. If you knew her you would understand, Velma was a selfless, gentle, kind, giving woman that was loved by all who knew her. Velma gave the best advice and was always honest whether you liked it or not. Even though Velma didn’t raise her voice, when she spoke you got the message and acted accordingly.
Velma enjoyed being with her family, traveling, and eating good food. She adopted various sayings “hello darlin” or “see ya later alligator” that through time became the traditional greeting for all that came in contact with her. According to her, she had the best jokes and would laugh at herself even when others did not get the joke. She loved children and could soothe a baby right to sleep when no one else was able. Velma was a licensed beautician for many years and gave the best press and curl in town
Velma studied the bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 1950’s. She dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized on July 22, 1953. During her 69 years of faithful service, Velma attended the Tarrytown Congregation. Always hospitable, she opened her home hosting weekly Book Study for many years. Velma loved Jehovah and would witness to family, clients, neighbors, and anyone else she met while sharing the good news in the ministry. Velma also enjoyed attending the assemblies and conventions with her spiritual family adopting many brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Milton Francis; parents Lee and Minnie Moye; six brothers, Dennis Lee, Willie “Buster” James, Albert, Robert, Roosevelt, and Jessie Moye; four sisters, Lucy Mae Itson, Ruth Jackson, Lula Francis, and Floretta Wright; one granddaughter, L’Shaunda Hudson; and two grandsons, Terence and Anthony Francis.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving sons: Joey and Jay Francis, two daughters, Chorlana (Rodrey) Francis, and L’Sonya Francis; one brother Frank (Vernell) Moye of Gary, Indiana; three sisters, Mary (Fred) Dantzler of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rachel M. Headd of Merrillville, Indiana, and Bessie Moye of Minneapolis, Minnesota; two sisters in law, Anna Francis and Brenda Moye; eight grandchildren Jennifer, Jeffrey, Joey, L’Tiffany, Jay Jr, Jamal, Javante, and Denise; seventeen great grandchildren, twenty- five great great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.
