Biography: Marian Frances Howard lovingly known as “Frances” was born In New York City on July 31,1953. She was the 2nd of 6 children born to the late James Thomas (JT) and Estelle Howard. Frances was also a birthday gift as she would come roaring into this world on her mother’s birthday and it would be a roar that would be heard until she was called home by The Lord on September 25, 2024.
Frances received her formal education in the New York City public school system. Thereafter she began a family of her own and dedicated herself to raising her children. Frances loved the kids, so in addition to raising her four children she was instrumental in the rearing of many of the children in the community. If she wasn’t providing daycare for the children of her working neighbors, she was shaping young minds at her job.
Frances was a Teacher at The O’Gorman Garden, Montessori School in Harlem. She was beloved by colleagues, parents, and children alike.They loved her humorous, stern, and nurturing approach to teaching her lessons. Frances looked forward to seeing the children every day and having the opportunity to make an impact on the future.
Frances was the Matriarch of her family, and a Pillar of her community. She never met a stranger, and she always had a hot meal, good conversation, and an open door policy for anyone she loved. But let’s be clear, Frances marched to the beat of a drum only played by Frances. Life wasn’t always kind to her, but Frances, was the product of a home with a strong Christian foundation and the values that came along with it. So when life got hard, she didn’t cower, instead she’d plant her feet, straighten her back, lift her head and meet the challenge head on, and when the storms of life rolled in instead of seeking shelter, she’d remove her shoes and dance in the rain. See, she stood firm in her belief that if god sees you to it, he’ll see you through it. Frances was a force, no, Frances was a once in a lifetime event that we were blessed to have witnessed and we will forever cherish the memories and moments that we shared with God’s Comet.
Frances became ill on April 14, 2024. Even when the doctor was telling her she had a stroke and the severity of it Frances was defiant saying, “No I didn’t!! I ain’t have no stroke!” Frances fought hard to recover. However, our Angel Transitioned on September 25,2024, at 11:23am. at the age of 71.
Frances was preceded in her death by, her Parents; her sisters, Rosalee, Evelyn, Deborah, & Cynthia; and her son Jermel Joyner Sr. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her brother; James Howard; her son; Dennis Joyner; her daughters; Sameerah Joyner, and Takima Floyd; her daughter in law, Octavia Joyner; her son in law, Mandla Barnes; her grandchildren, Jermel Joyner Jr., Moshae Brown, Khymm King, Anika Barnes, Jameer Wilson, Tiearra Wilson, and Aniya Barnes; Her great grandchildren, Kaheem Adams, Jermel Joyner III, Alfiefie Nyeor; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.
