It is with great sadness to make the announcement of the passing of Itilda Francis, who departed peacefully from the world on February 17, 2023, at the age of 93.  Born in Bartons, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Itilda was the beloved fourth child of Vestina and Obediah Dawkins.

Itilda was a devoted wife to her predeceased husband Joseph Elisha Francis.  She is the mother of three daughters, Lorraine, Valetta, and Veronica and one son Errol.  She was a proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy throughout her life.

Itilda was predeceased by her five brothers and four sisters, but she is survived by two loving brothers Hurvel and Earl and sisters Beatrice, Zelma, Una, Lola, and Isola who will miss her dearly; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews whom she cherished.

Before she immigrated to the United States, Itilda worked at the Jamaica Gleaner Company.  In addition to her spiritual gifts, she also used her gift and passion for fruit juices to help take care of her family.  She was well known for her delicious juices: including sour sap, guava, Irish moss and passion fruit which she shared with everyone she met.

She even brought many to the altar of the Lord.  Her life was not the easiest journey, but she always executed it with conviction and grace.

Itilda worked at VDC for 16 years.  She was a member of Miracle Temple COGIC where she accepted the Lord as her savior and served as the mother for 40 years.  There she continued her selfless acts of helping everyone around her in any way she could.  She gave her time, prayers, knowledge and always encouraged others to make the right decisions in the name of Jesus!  Her favorite saying was, "My Jesus and I have a good time going on," and her favorite words of encouragement were, "Don't follow nobody, follow Jesus" and "Keep Jesus."

After several years Itilda and her husband Joseph Francis managed to fulfill their dream of retiring and moving back to her homeland of Jamaica.  During her retirement, she remained active in church and continued to spread the Gospel of God, never retiring from kingdom work.

Itilda will be remembered for her unwavering faith and dedication to the kingdom of God.  She was a prayer warrior and an exceptional encourager who used the word of God to inspire others.

Mother Francis will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.  We take comfort in knowing that she is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior.