Rena Lucille Francis

Noted for her warm and characteristic giving, Mrs. Lucille Mason Francis, our treasured God mother, aunt, cousin and friend, slipped quietly into the realm of immortality at her home, on September 8, 2018. Her passage was as her living; majestic and giving, without complaint, accepting and believing that God's almighty power would not fail.

Affectionately known as "Aunt Lucille and Celia/' she was distinguished for her special love and care for children, her gracious giving to all, her warm smile and caring touch, her polished and dignified appearance and approach, and her desire to do God's will. A genteel, refined and proud lady, Lucille always showed love in ways that made people feel valued and cherished. She is remembered for her years of hard work and dedication to family and friends - always full of joy, and always extending herself as a helper and caregiver to family and friends. This love was much on display in her love of sewing, family reunions, and preparing special dishes to be shared by all. As an attendee of the former Armstrong Tailoring School, she was an accomplished seamstress and loved sewing for others.

The consummate and compassionate leader, Lucille was a giant among giants in her community activism and volunteerism for individual, community and church endeavors.  Among her many accolades over the years are tributes from leadership and participation in The Meals on Wheels Program, Bible Study Ministries, Missionary Society Programs, June Birthday Circles, Garfield Community Cheer Club, South East Ward 7 programs, Wellness Center and Coraleers.

As a music lover and accomplished singer, Lucille was a member of The Junior and Senior Church Choirs, The Semper Fidelis (The United States Marine Corps marching song) Choral Group, where in earlier years she was among guest participants on the Arthur Godfrey Television Show.

With a warm and vibrant personality, Lucille quickly gained fame as a valued employee of The Hecht Company where she retired after 25 years of dedicated service. She was a prominent figure at the company owing to her warm and caring customer concern for all and her desire for excellence in all she did. During her tenure, Lucille was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations for her performance, for her contribution to the company values, and for her dedication to excellence.

Born in Clarksburg, Maryland, Lucille initially attended the Park Road Community Church, Washington DC, from childhood. In later years following a move to Southeast Washington, DC, she united with the Allen Chapel AME church, where she remained an active and dedicated member until her demise. Despite declining health, Lucille maintained contact with church members and continued her support of the church. Known for her communication skills, Lucille kept abreast of activities and shared her verbal support via telephone and maintained her financial support. Known to be quite a telephone personality, Lucille kept current with all the news through her many contacts, and until recently, she read her daily devotions and the newspaper daily. From events in the news, she directed her Niece Lima to follow up on anything of importance to her.

Lucille had a very special life that offered her treasured memories and valued experiences. She shared much and enjoyed immensely her years of service to mankind. God strengthened her; He soothed her; wrapped her in His infinite love and showered her with blessings too numerous to count, and too magnificent to describe. She was loved, admired and continually gave to others. Still in her golden years and declining health, Lucille was alert, issuing directives and sharing with all the joys of a happy, full and beautiful life.

Lucille closes the chapter on yet another generation of Masons, and we are left with a legacy of love, compassion and caring. We have been richly blessed by our relationships with Lucille; we have found great joy in the years of yesterday, and we will forever cherish our time with her.

At the marvelous age of 98, God has smiled from His Golden Throne and welcomed her home. She leaves treasured memories to many relatives and friends with whom she has shared countless special times. It is with special recognition that she acknowledges the extraordinary support, visits, prayers and communion offered by Reverend Shirley Green, Assistant Minister Allen Chapel AME Church and all her Allen Chapel AME family.

Married to the late Isaac Bertie Francis for 61 years, Lucille's immediate family included two special nieces and caretakers, Lima Wheeler-Evans (Ernie) and Linda, Mason Chaney (George); great nephew, George Chaney Jr; Godchildren, Christopher Risby, and Brooke Brown and cousins, Marilyn Tibbs, Cecily Peters, Harriet Simpson, Patricia Tyson, Teresa ...., Robert and Eugene Foreman. In addition to the church family, Lucille leaves a treasured memory to a wide community of many other loving relatives and friends and her care giver for over four years, Joan Bevers.

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