Wallace John Francis, Jr. (Lansing)

Remembering “IKE”

Mr. Wallace John Francis, Jr. aka “Ike” departed his earthly life on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the University of Michigan Health - Sparrow in Lansing, Michigan. Age 82 years. He was born Monday, April 20, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana to his earthly parents John and Alice Lee Johnson Francis. He was the 2nd child born of this union. 

In 1954, the Francis Family moved to Houston, Texas. Wallace was 12 years old and attended Pleasantville Elementary , E.O. Smith Middle School and graduated from Phyllis Wheatly High School, Class of 1960. Wallace then enlisted in the United States Army. His duty assignments included Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training at 53rd Sig.BN 6th Army Company C (Fort Huachuca, Arizona). While enlisted, Wallace served as an O-61 Radio Operator. He performed that duty for his 2-year tenure.

After his Honorable Discharge, he returned home to Houston, Texas and in 1979 he married Shirley Ann King and from that union there were 2 sons. Wallace worked for over 20 years at Baker Hughes Company in Houston, Texas. After retiring, he traveled between states to visit his children and relatives. While visiting relatives in New Orleans, Louisiana, Hurricane Katrina occurred and Wallace was displaced to Lansing, Michigan. There he met Louise Harris, and a close friendship developed. They both enjoyed eating out, laughing and just being happy. He was a very caring and kind-hearted man.

Wallace celebrated his 82nd Birthday with joy and pain. He was Thankful to God for his longevity although his health was failing. 

He leaves to cherish his memories, spouse, Shirley Ann King Francis, Houston, Texas; four children, Terrence (Sheronda) Francis, Sherwood, Arkansas, Jackie E. Henderson, Houston, Texas, Wallace (Vergedretta) Edmond, Katy, Texas and Tacha (Seymour) Adlam, Atlanta, Georgia; six grandchildren, Shaterrian and Terrence Francis Jr. of Sherwood, Arkansas, Kristopher Gaines of Houston, Texas, Jaylan Adlam of Atlanta, Georgia, Mack Perry Jr. (Aolani) of Houston, Texas, and Tyrese Francis of Sherwood, Arkansas; six great-grandchildren, Riley E. and Jalen Marks of Sherwood, Arkansas, Keagan, Kamari and Kalem Francis of Sherwood, Arkansas, and Leilani Grace Medrono Perry of Houston, Texas; one niece, Deena (Donald) Bosier, Round Rock, Texas; three godchildren, Katie Martinez, Lansing, Michigan (my dear Angel from GOD), Irita Guerreo, Lansing, Michigan, and David Alexander, St. Marys, Georgia, many cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Isaac Charles Edmond; his parents; siblings, Comfort Lee, Jacquelyn and Lester Francis; and two nephews, Donnis and Dirik Francis, Houston, Texas.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 NKJV