Edith Francis was a treasure!  I appreciated her both as a tutor and as a wonderful person. Her educational and political involvement were both very impressive but above all she was intelligent and caring.  I'm glad that I got to visit her once in Florida.  I tried to call multiple times in her last years, but was always told that she could not come to the phone. I have passed word of her passing on to Carolyn Schmidt.
Note: I sent a contribution to the listed address, but it was returned as undeliverable. Perhaps this website can forward information to me, or give the family my contact information.

Edith was my tutor in 1961(?) and a friend of my family.  I have always treasured my memories of her and of Gil.  I managed to fly down and see her, perhaps around 15 years ago.  I tried to call a few times, but was always told she was "resting."  I finally found her by Googling today, and I am sorry that I did not know when she died.  My condolences to her family; you have lost someone very special.  Her obituary should have been in the national papers.

As a 19 year old Freshman student at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS, I was asked to join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in the Fall of 1981. In doing so I had the opportunity in 1982 to meet the 18th International President of Zeta. I loved her very much and she knew it. Fast forward to July 2012 and I had a vision to have as many Sorors as possible say Happy Birthday in their own words and I would compile a Birthday book for Dr. Edith V. Frances. And they answered the call. I wrote this to the group:
“Sorors again I just want to thank all of you here and on the Real Zetas FB page who heard the call and answered. As promised I have compiled a little wishes book for PIGB Edith V. Francis and purchased a card for her. Both have been mailed and according to USPS she should receive her package by Monday. Thank you all again and here is a picture of the book, which has 15 pages and the card. Bless you all!”

This is how much I LOVED HER and I will MISS YOU!


Soror Francis and my mom birthdays were a day apart. My mom although gone since 2005 was a warm, friendly and genuine human being.  Soror Francis was also warm, friendly and genuine. I say she is in a far better place than we.  I feel comforted that these angels are in heaven waiting for us when the time comes. May she rest in Eternal Peace! Sending sincerest condolences to her loved ones.

“Precious Memories  how they linger, how they ever flood  my soul”.  
Dr. Francis was an excellent role model of Finer, an excellent model of Finer Womanhood & an excellent model of  being Fine!  
I thank God I had the privilege of meeting her & shared some Good “Zeta” time with her.

For Soror Francis, cares all past, home at last...  RIP.

As a representative of the Beta Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and the Atlantic Region it was my honor to accept the call to be present for this wonderful opportunity to honor your legacy as our 18th International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.  

Thank you for opening up your home and allowing me to be apart of a beautiful, never to forget afternoon.  Sharing the love between the two of you.  I will never forget being able to share your love. 

PIGB Francis was  Zeta's President when I came into the Sorority.  She truly exemplified the Epitome of Finer Womanhood. 

Rest in Peace Triumphat Soror Francis 

SZL 💙
Barbara Cousar 
MK Fall 81 

I met Dr. Francis at the first Boule I attended in 1974, I remember the grace she displayed and her smile remained with me throughout her lifetime.  She was such a beautiful and graceful Soror.

She was my International Grand President when I came into the Sorority. She was a wonderful woman and will truly, truly be missed. Sleep sweetly Soror Francis.

Such a Finer Woman of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. -
We are grateful to have been lead by an amazing lady, scholar, and community servant in Dr. Edith V. Francis.  Asè, asè, asè.

I am grateful to have visited our Grand in her Melbourne home with her ever so charming husband Brother Francis. My job was to interview Soror Francis for a video I was producing for our Sorority-- highlighting our past Grand Basilei.  Watching our Grand and her husband doting on each other ever so lovingly while sharing stories about their family and work in Zeta and Sigma was truly a treat.  Her Zeta room was something to behold...keys to cities, awards and citations from all over the country...clippings about the Sorority's work  and her work as 
Superintendent while she served as Grand.  She was such a lady and we will miss her dearly. Until we meet again...

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Past International President Edith Francis. She was a Grand Lady and will be sorely missed. 

Sisterly regards, 

Soror Vicki Pearson
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Georgia State Director

We offer our love and sincere condolences to Debbie and her family,  Denise, Dwayne and his family in the passing of Dr. Edith V. Francis, our sister-in-law.  We mourn our loss, but we rejoice knowing that she is with her husband Dr. Gilbert H. Francis, and most important with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

            A  Francis Family Photo

I’ll never forget Ms Francis because she excepted me as the new Security Officer at the Edmonson Center here in East Orange, NJ.  She was a kind loving boss who never showed respect of person and always showed me how much she appreciated me as a team player not just as a Security Officer but as a mentor as well as the little crafts I’d participate in to make the school and environment a where all are welcome.  Rest peacefully and Francis and thanks for making my days with you at The Edmonson Center comfortable your the point where I never to this date want to leave because of the many memories I still have there.   

I was blessed to have Edith as an amazing friend for more than 30 years. She was a beautiful, bright and caring friend that was already to enjoy life. She loved to dance, so I’m sure she is now dancing in heaven with Gilbert, her husband, and the Angels!

Miss Edith was such a phenomenal beautiful woman.  Her energy, love and compassion came through every time she entered the room, whether it was the first time you met her or you were old friends.  Her positive and upbeat personality was ever present.  She looked at the bright side of everything, and that infectious laugh made everyone immediately want to come closer to hear her stories.  I loved her spirit and the world was a better place because she was in it.  Miss Edith, I will miss you.  God bless her and let her light continue to shine bright. 

Our deepest condolences to the Francis family on the loss of Dr. Edith V. Francis.  We pray for peace and comfort during this sorrowful time.  We are forever grateful for the indelible mark she has left on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  when she served as International President and her altruism that she demonstrated in all that she did to support our sisterhood. We are especially thankful for her support in chartering our chapter in Brooklyn, NY in 2001, which as a result, has yielded  young girls and women  thousand of dollars in scholarship and the community thousand of volunteer hours in community service.  Her legacy lives on!  Continued prayers for the family.  

Picture is from 2001 in Brooklyn, NY when she officiated over Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter chartering ceremony.  

OBITUARY

Edith V. Francis

July 25, 1929 – January 11, 2020

Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens

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