Helen Fredrona Francis

Helen Fredrona (Gumbs) Francis was born on the island of St. Kitts, in the Caribbean, on January 6, 1942. She was one of four children born to Joseph Gumbs and Ethel (Welch) Gumbs. She passed from this life into her Heavenly home on June 22, 2022. Helen attended Points Primary School in St. Kitts. Her family established a church in their home that served their village. In addition to providing the village with a place to worship, her father and brothers caught and sold fish to the public. Her mother also sold oil to the public. Helen became a Christian as a child and desired to do God’s will even as a young girl. She eventually moved to the Virgin Islands to marry and raise a family. She was a hard worker and provided housekeeping services as a trade. She moved to the United States in 1999 and became a stay-at-home mom/grandma. In 2018, she made Tulsa her home. Helen enjoyed attending and serving in church. She gave of her time to the ministry, singing in the choir and singing solos. She taught her children and stepchildren to love and serve Jesus. She showed them the value of work and the rewards associated with diligence. She also taught them how prayer can change our everyday circumstances. She cherished time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always marveled at their boundless energy. She looked forward to Sunday dinners with them and the rest of her family. Many times were spent going on walks together, attending events, graduations, and weddings. Helen had a playful sense of humor and would often encourage others to laugh and not be so serious. She was also known for her love of shopping/bargain hunting. It was one of her favorite pastimes. One of her hobbies was writing letters and cards. She would light up when she received letters and cards from her loved ones. If she wasn’t spending time with family or shopping, Helen was known for watching her favorite movies, Sister Act 1 and Sister Act 2. The music in those movies was reminiscent of the music she enjoyed from her years in church. Helen will be missed by those that knew her. Her Christian legacy and love for God will be remembered by her family and friends. Helen is survived by: Son–Melville Pinney of Harrison, Tennessee Daughter–Jessica Claxton and son-in-law, Kenmore L. Claxton of Bixby, Oklahoma Stepdaughter–Jennipher Francis of Asheville, North Carolina Stepson–Jonathan Francis and stepdaughter-in-law, Sasha, and step-grandchildren of Killeen, Texas Brother–Zephaniah (Ralphie) Gumbs and sister-in-law, Gertrude Gumbs of Tortola, BVI Sister–Ursula (June) Spencer of Leeds, England Grandchildren–Krystal Claxton, Kristopher Claxton, Kenmore “Timothy” Claxton and granddaughter-in-law, Rachel Claxton Great Grandchildren–Kameron Moore, Kennedy Moore Many nieces, nephews, cousins She was preceded in death by: Parents–Joseph and Ethel Gumbs Brother–David (Zedee) Gumbs In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Helen's name. www.alz.org 2448 E 81st St Ste. 3000, Tulsa, OK 74137

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Helen Fredrona Francis

January 6, 1942 - June 22, 2022