Obituary of Helen Green-Francis

Obituary Helen Green Francis entered eternal peace wrapped in the loving arms of her heavenly Savior on September 4, 2021. Helen was born in Florence, South Carolina, to Johnny and Georgia Mae Green. The family moved to New York, and later to Chester, Pennsylvania where she attended Chester Public Schools. She was a cheerleader, activist for civil rights and graduated from Chester High School. Helen was a young entrepreneur and owned a boutique in Center City, Philadelphia. This is where she met the love of her life, Webster Francis, Jr. They married and from this union one child, Felicia Francis was born. They moved to West Deptford, New Jersey where Helen was employed in the Public Defender’s Office. She later moved to the purchasing department for the West Deptford Township Municipality. Helen was promoted and became the first Black Welfare Director in West Deptford. Helen took an early retirement in 2000, two years after the birth of her first grandchild, Zariya and deeply enjoyed being with her family and taking trips “down south.” She organized many family reunions and was the Green’s family historian. She opened her home to those in need which led her to become a foster parent to many. Helen was an active and faithful member of Bethel AME Church. She served as the Young People’s Division Director, missionary, Lay organization, church historian, and chaplain of area Missionary society. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Johnny and Georgia Mae Green-Young; her husband, Webster Francis Jr.; and sister, Joyce Ilarraza. She leaves to mourn: Her daughters, Felicia Grant and Charisse Lynn; Granddaughters, Zariya Alex-Taylor Grant; Brooke-Lynn Mae Grant, Natalie Joy Grant, and Dominique Charisse Lynn; Great-Granddaughter, Caliana D. Jones; Brothers, Eugene “Louie “Young (Chester, PA), Bishop Floyd McIver (Florence, SC); Sister, Catherine Gainey (North Carolina); Aunt, Delores Dixon (New York); Uncle, Joseph E. Green Jr (Mary -Tacoma, WA); special nephews, Johnathan Gainey and Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine; Special Niece, Deborah A. Elam; and a host of cousins, family and friends.