Pearl Francis

Pearl Bluford Francis was born on August 3rd, 1928 in Laurens, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Willie and Mrs. Janie Carter Bluford. Pearl was a very young girl when she relocated to Columbus, Ohio with her grandparents, the late Sam and Carrie Bluford. Pearl loved the Lord and going to church. As a young woman she attended Trinity Baptist and Saint Matthews Fire Baptized Church. She later joined Union Grove Baptist Church after marrying Mr. Chester Francis. Pearl was a faithful Union Grove member for over 50 years. She was a dedicated Deaconess and a member of Missionary Circle Rebecca. She quietly performed whatever was asked of her. Pearl never complained and was always smiling. She loved her church and very rarely missed Sunday morning service. Pearl loved making a "home" for her family. She would prepare home cooked meals everyday. During the summers she would work hard in her garden and during the holidays she would lovingly decorate her home. She was so proficient at homemaking that she worked for over 60 years as a domestic worker. Although, she loved her children, her grandchildren were the "apples of her eye". She adored them and they loved her very much. On December 4, 2018, the Lord God Almighty decided to reclaim one of his priceless jewels....Pearl Bluford Francis. We, her family, thank God for giving us the opportunity to know and love her. She will be remembered always. She is preceded in death by Father: Willie Bluford Sr.; Grandparents: Sam and Carrie Bluford; Sisters: Carrie Lee Chappelle and Mamie "Ele" Bluford; Brothers: Cleve, Sam and Willie Bluford Jr. Pearl will be sorely missed by: Husband of 67 years Deacon Chester Francis. Children: Chesteen Francis, Victoria (Roy) Woodson-Levey, Ricky (Vernita)Francis, David Francis. Brother: Rev. Willie (Virginia) Bluford. Sister: Bettye (J.C.) Smoot of Hodges South Carolina. Sisters-in-Law: Mrs. Viola Bluford of Laurens South Carolina, Mrs. Kathleen Wright and Mrs. Sally Francis of Roanoke Va. Grandchildren: Shawntaj Francis, Karina (Rod) Smith, Senita Francis, Brittani Francis, Mischell and Naomi Woodson-Levey, Kristopher and Jamecia Little and Michael Smith. Great Grandchildren: Angel, Kyla, Kammy, Kelis and Kamari; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.