Paulette Francis

“And when great souls die, after a period Peace blooms.”

Paulette Francis passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Tampa, Florida. The morning before she passed, her daughter, son-in-law, three (3) sisters, and nieces, were given the opportunity to spend those very hours with her. During that time, her loved ones cried, sat in silence, prayed, laughed, and spoke with her to the very end. Paulette received an abundance of love and respect before she took her last breath, on April 20 2023, at 2:30pm.

Paulette was born on August 15 1961, in Birmingham England, to the parents of belated Ervin and Nelly Stephenson. She was the last of 8 children. Paulette and her mother moved to Jamaica when she was 6 years old. She attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, and then attended Ardenne High School. After graduating from Ardenne, she went on to Rose Leon Cosmetology School and pursued her heart’s desire, where she became a Cosmetologist with a passion to enhance the beauty of others.

On January 18, 1984, Paulette shared a vow and married her best friend, soul mate, and forever love, Alfred Francis. From this union, their little angel and beautiful daughter, Tameka Francis, was born. The family migrated to the United States, and resided in St. Petersburg Florida. Paulette went back to school and majored in Healthcare, Medical Billing and Coding. She spent her career working at All Florida Orthopedic Associates and Orthopedic of West Florida.

Paulette lost her husband in 2004 and courageously navigated through that difficult time. In 2007, she moved to Brandon Florida and became a member of Kings Avenue Baptist Church; where she enjoyed the church services, pastor, and church family.

While we know Paulette is currently sleeping, let us continue to celebrate her warmth, her brilliance, her compassion, her persistence, and her unwavering belief in positive outcomes, even when she was facing challenges or obstacles. She loved sports, and her favorite was tennis. She also loved to cook. At family gatherings, she would prepare a feast that family and friends looked forward toward having. Paulette was classy and stylish in the way she dressed, as she took great pride in her appearance.

Paulette leaves to grieve, her daughter Tameka Francis, her soon to be son- in-law Darryl Bounds, brothers, Trover Hylton, Lincoln Stephenson, sisters, Joan Brady, Delva Gordon and her husband Seaford, Sharon Steven. Lots of nieces and nephews, in-laws, God-children, friends and associates.

“Love never dies.”

Heavenly Father, please remind us of your unfailing love and comfort during this difficult time. Your Grace is more than sufficient to carry us through this heartache.

“Legacy of Love”

To Mom

Though you are gone forever and your hand I cannot touch, I can still envision your beautiful smile and beautiful memories of you, which I love so much. Your memory is now my keepsake with which I will never part. God has you in his keeping. I have you in my heart.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Francis family.