of orship W O
Musical Prelude.....................................................................Organist
Processional.....................................Clergy, Family, and Friends
Invocation...........................................Rev. Anderson W. Clary, Jr.
Pastor Emeritus, Queen Street Baptist Church, Hampton, VA
Musical Selection.....................................Rev. Dr. Chris C. Carter Pastor, New Hope Baptist, Hampton, VA
Scripture
Old Testament: Psalm 23.................................Dea. Charles Tate
New Testament: John 14: 1-7................................Dea. Ray Lidell
Prayer of Comfort......................................Dr. Wesley Johnson II Palmer Theological Seminary, St. Davids, PA
Acknowledgements/Resolutions................Sis Donna Clayton Church Clerk, Queens Street Baptist Church
Reflections (3 minutes, please)..........................Dea. Ray Lidell Carl R. Francis Jr. and Anthony J. Francis Silent Reading of Obituary Soft Music
Musical Selection...................................................Sis. Amy Collins USPS Retiree
Eulogy..................................................Rev. Anderson W. Clary, Jr.
Recessional...................................................."Soon
REMEMBERING REMEMBERING
Francis, CARL RAYMOND SR.
Carl Raymond Francis, Sr. peacefully entered eternal rest at home on Monday, February 24, 2025. Born on December 23, 1941, to the late James V. Francis, Sr. and Althea Rosetta Francis, Carl was a man of quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and deep faith. He was preceded in death by his brother, James V. Francis, Jr.
Carl was educated in the Hampton Public School System and was a proud graduate of Phenix High School, Class of 1960. He had a love for sports, playing football and basketball at the King Street Community Center during segregation. His passion for athletics continued throughout his military service.
Carl honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964 as a Communications Specialist, where he operated cryptographic systems, teletype, and switchboards as a supervisor. Following his military service, he dedicated 32 years to the United States Postal Service, retiring as a Maintenance Control Supervisor.
A man of strong faith, Carl was a devoted member of Queen Street Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia, where he served as a Trustee, a member of the Inspirational Choir and Male Chorus, and as a volunteer coordinator for Queen Street Beacon at the Crossroads.
Carl was a loyal fan of the Washington Commanders and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a man of quiet presence, known for his steady guidance, love for family, and dedication to his church and community.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 55 years, Joyce A. Francis; his children, Carl Raymond Francis, Jr. (Wilhelmenia) and Anthony Jason Francis; grandsons, Branden T. Francis (special friend Alexis) and Blake Martin Francis (Gabriella); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. A special thanks is extended to Mr. Brian Malon, L.PN. and Elmire Pitchford’s Training School. Carl, Sr. has now resting in the loving arms of Jesus, beyond the evening star and into the glittering light of glory. The angels sang, and Jesus whispered, “Take your rest.”
I’m There Inside Your Heart
Right now I’m in a different place
And though we seem apart
I’m closer than I ever was,
Pallbearers
Queen Street Baptist Deacons and Trustees
Floral Bearers
Queen Street Baptist Deaconess and Trustees
I’m there inside your heart.
I’m with you when you greet each day
And while the sun shines bright
I’m there to share the sunsets, too
I’m with you every night.
I’m with you when the times are good To share a laugh or two, And if a tear should start to fall
I’ll still be there for you.
And when that day arrives
That we no longer are apart, I’ll smile and hold you close to me, Forever in my heart.
-Author Unknown
Acknowledgment
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to each and every one for their many expressions of love, sympathy and kindness during the illness and loss of our loved one.
Services Entrusted To
