Obituary of Juanita Joyce Francis

Juanita Joyce Francis was born October 2, 1934, in Dallas, Texas. The daughter of the late Charles E. Smith, Sr. and Lillie B. Smith. She was united in holy matrimony to Luther V. Francis. Luther and Juanita were blessed with four children. At an early age, Juanita, accepted Christ at Progressive Baptist Church and remained a member her entire life. Juanita, a graduate of Lincoln H.S. was a true educator, who taught school for 31 plus years in the Dallas ISD. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. Her passion for teaching was evident by the countless students that came to know, love and respect their beloved Mrs. Francis. Her talents were many, she was an extremely accomplished artist, and her work graced the walls of many DISD classrooms and her home. Making her house a home was her passion and she loved her den filled with her children and grandchildren. She was a great storyteller and could keep you entertained for hours with her stories of school, life, and family. Juanita was a beloved mother and grandmother who loved good food and socializing, enjoyed gathering with family and friends and had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. Preceded in death are her parents and siblings, Charles Jr., Ray, Lawrence and Dorothy. She leaves to cherish her precious memories, son, Raani Francis (Deborah); daughters, Tanya Banks, Vanei Francis and Cheryl Brisco; 10 grandchildren, Travan, Steve, DeRaan, Tiffany, Chase, Tray, Christal, Chad, Victoria and Alex; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Marjorie Nobles (Joe); Shirley Knox; and Kate Smith; as well as a host of family and friends.