Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Mar 3, 1941 - Dec 27, 2025
My Aunt Francis was Always Full of Joy and Laughter. She Never met a stranger and Loved Everyone. I am Happy to have sat with her on her steps this past June. Same as usual, We Talked, We Laughed. She helped to raise us and was like A Mother to Is. Rest In Heavenly Peace Dear AuntieSweet Memories of You Will Remain Forever ❤✝
Gail Washington Baker
January 10, 2026 | Tampa, FL | Family
Aunt Francis you will be missed. I enjoyed all of the stories you shared, we laughed a lot when together, enjoyed your cooking and everything about you. You treated me like one of your sons on all of our visits. Sitting on your front steps with you were fun times! Condolences to the family!
Milton Washington
January 09, 2026 | Long Beach, CA | Family
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Claudette Bozeman
January 08, 2026 | Gary, IN 46404, IN
Remembered By
Gail Terry
January 08, 2026 | Houston, TX | Friend
My condolences goes out to the Washington family. Mrs. Washington was a friend of my mother and provided comfort to her in her last days. She was a truly an extraordinary person. My prayers are with your family.
Hueston Whiteside
Hueston Whiteside
January 08, 2026 | Conyers, GA | Friend
My condolences to you and your family. Ms. Frances was a good friend to our mom at New Friendship Baptist Church.
She was so sweet and she loved fashion
My age rest in peace.
Love Revenda Greenwood
Revenda Greenwood
January 08, 2026 | Houston, TX | Friend
To the Family of Frances: She’s so loving and kind! She will be forever loved, missed and remembered.
Jean Griffin
January 07, 2026 | Gary, IN | Friend
To the family of Mrs Francis she was a blessing and a beautiful person I met when I joined New Friendship. I loved talking with her and often complimented her in being dressed sharp when out of uniform. I remember when my husband first got ill and forgot and left me at church she was the first to offer and take me home.. on the way she told me to stay in prayer and God was able to be with me. Ill never forget her and hate I can't attend her service. Love to her always and her family...
Jack and Myrtle Mateen
January 07, 2026 | Portage | Friend
Aunt Frances - I will love and remember you for the loving Mother and faithful servant you were. A great example of hard work, enduring struggles to make a better way for everyone around you. I remember you side by died with my Mother, Doretha, leaders at New Friendship Baptist Church. You channeled the Holy Ghost like mother! Love Your Nephew Calvin
Calvin Washington
January 07, 2026 | San Diego, CA | Family
Johnnie Frances Washington, age 84, was born on March 3, 1941, to Fletcher and Anna Thurman in Goodman, MS, the fourth daughter of eleven children.
In 1957, Frances married Henry C. Washington, and seven children were born to this union. They were happily married for 64 years.
Frances was a vibrant, outgoing woman who never met a stranger she didn't know. A fashionista always poised and impeccably dressed. Her love for fashion and self-care was matched only by her joy for shopping, planting flowers, playing the lottery daily, the Casino and family gatherings.
Frances accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member and usher at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for sixty-plus years. She served with grace and humility, always finding joy in worship and fellowship. She cherished her spiritual growth and loved the friendships she formed there.
On Saturday, December 27, 2025, God called Frances's home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fletcher and Anna Thurman, her beloved husband, Henry C. Washington Sr.; her daughter, Dianell Matthews; her son, Henry C. Washington Jr.; her siblings: Annize "Buddy" Thurman, Oscar Thurman, James Mack Thurman, Isaac Thurman, Arista Thurman, Willie B. Thurman, Fred Thurman, Annie Mae Thurman and Mamie Catchings.
Frances's memories will be forever cherished by her devoted daughters: Maggie Washington-Moore, Carrie Washington and Dianah (Jerry) Tapplin; sons: Wallace (Patricia), Darrell (Penny), David (Elaine) Washington; sisters: Gladys Bynum, Ruby Luckett; twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and all that loved her. Long-time devoted and special best friend, Louise Denham.
Frances has touched the lives of many and will truly be missed by all.
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