Francy Gavin

Francy L. Gavin
04/23/2025
Born in St. Louis, Missouri. Resided in Richmond, California.
Francy L. Gavin, affectionately known as Sister, Fancy Francy, grandma, and lovingly as mom, passed away April 23, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and unshakable spirit.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1951 to the late John and Laura M. Garner, Francy brought laughter, wit, and light wherever she went. A proud recent resident of Richmond, California, Francy had deep roots within the East Bay music and arts communities, having lived the majority of her adult life in Berkeley. She was a gifted clay sculptor whose hands molded forms that captured the beauty, toil, and turmoil of life. Her home was always filled with the soulful sounds of Motown, echoing the rhythm of her soul and the beat of her heart. She had a deep love for the charm of 1950s and 60s television which she watched with delight.
Francy was best known for her teasing humor and unimpeachable joy for life. She had a special way of making everyone feel at ease and seen. She was known to face down life's obstacles with her signature smile, a snap of her fingers, and the announcement "Big Bubbles, No Troubles." Her strength, grace, and compassion turned adversity into light, illuminating for all around her the way to live for life and love.
She is survived by her devoted sons and daughters-in-law, Norris Gavin III, Joyce Gavin, Lamont Gavin, Yukiko Gavin, John J. Golden, and Kristie Golden; her beloved grandchildren, Jessica H. Golden, Aaron L. Golden, Elijah K. Gavin, Taishi J. Gavin, Norris Gavin IV, and Acquinetta L. M. Gavin. Francy is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Beulah Travis and Tyrone P. Garner, and her cherished niece and nephew, Sharon A. McClendon and Alton D. Travis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers John Garner and James Garner, and her dear granddaughter Ayana L. Gavin.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Francy will be held at noon on Saturday, May 3 at:
North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709.
Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and remember the radiant soul who touched so many lives. Francy's memory will live on through every laugh, every song, and every piece of art inspired by her incredible life.