Evangelist Frances Fanny Sams Echevarria was the eighth child of the late Johnnie and Clarence Sams. She was a walking miracle, overcoming a childhood disease. She had an ear for dialects and learned to speak Spanish fluently. Frances was educated in Philadelphia School System.

Frances met and married Moises Echevarria, where they raised nine children. Upon moving to New Jersey, while raising her family, she attended Glassboro State College majoring in Social Work.

Frances obtained a position as a case worker for Division of Youth and Family Services. She also worked for the City of Camden Municipal Welfare, and the JEPTA Program she worked with various Youth organizations.

Frances served as the director of the Christian Theatre workshop, under the leadership of Dr. Silas Townsend, at St. John Baptist Church for over 30 years where she included her entire family and church family and the community. Franny would have a vision of her numerous productions, through prayer, song and dance.

Frances attended and graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, obtaining a degree in leadership. Frances served as an Evangelist par excellence and had a heart to serve God and his people.

Frances leaves to mourn a large and loving family, sister Nancy Ocasio, Brother Stanley Sams, Frances was pre-deceased by sister Lillian Jones, Brother Freddie, John Wesley, Thomas and Billy Sams. Children Francisco (Cico) Viola, Petrina, (Tina) JB, Lillian, Lorna, Kevin (Kiwi), LuzDella (Del), Carla (Henry), A special niece, Johnnieruth (Ruba). 24 Grandchildren, and a host of Great-Grands and Great-Great Grands, close friend Mary Davis, Godchildren, Shell, Lana, Zakina and Preston and a host of nieces and nephews.

Frances favorite scripture for which she based her life: Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Lovingly Submitted, The Family