Obituary

Francine was born in Washington, DC on September 22, 1953 to Benjamin Franklin Stevens Sr. and Vermelle Ann Stevens (both preceeded her in death) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

In 1972, Francine graduated from Ballou Senior High School.  Throughout her lifetime, Francine invested in her education and those that she encountered.   Whenever there was an opportunity to show others how to learn and grow, SHE TOOK IT!

Francine continued her education at the University of the District of Columbia where she pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration on Special Education.  After matriculating, all while performing her teaching assignments, she also pursued Microsoft office technology at Trinity University.

Francine was a trailblazer, natural beauty with deep dark cocoa skin.  At an early age she was hand selected by a talent scout to represent the John Casablanca Modeling Agency.  That experience only added to her growing confidence and she never let you forget she was unapologetically black. A dark skinned sister with smarts to boot.  Her love for modeling, led Francine to find time to do an apprenticeship at Cappachell Modeling agency as an esteemed Model.

In addition to working for DC Public schools, throughout her life Francine also served as a Lifeguard, Post office clerk, Metro bus driver, Auto train hostess for Amtrak, Avon salesperson, and Mary K. cosmetic extraordinaire and owner of her full service photography studio company, Take one Productions.

Francine traveled the country extensively but never got too far away from the District. While traveling, she took pride in allowing family members to accompany her when time permitted. The love she shared for her family brought her back to the District and kept her close for her remaining years.

Francine was a fashionista, as well as an avid reader with a benevolent spirit.  Francine was never at a lost for words, she possessed a strong will and had an infectious spirit.

Fran was the quintessential of an educator. She embodied the meaning of strength and love, which she exhibited through her daily acts of kindness.  Francine loved children and was the favorite aunt to those in her community.

On May 31, 1991, LOVE was in the air when Francine accepted Charlie Henry Hackney’s hand in marriage.  No children were born from their union however, Francine kept busy by raising many other’s children and devoted her life to all children to which she came in contact.

Francine had several pets, yet the pet she was most fond of was “Miss Foster”.  Nothing was too good for Miss Foster in Fran’s eyesight.  Miss Foster had a wardrobe that would put some human’s to shame.

All who knew Francine could not deny her love for GOD!  She was a servant for GOD and always a cheerful giver with a heart of gold, which she inherited from her dearest mother. She never missed an opportunity to speak “the Gospel” and show anyone were they had room to learn and grow. She provided a loving example to all and was a glowing illustration of what it means to live life to its fullest.  She performed many positions in the church to include usher, armor bearer and Deacon, not Deaconess (in her voice), of which she held with extreme prowess.

Francine had a giving spirit and in addition to her tithing regularly, some of the charities Francine supported to name a few were St. Jude’s Children’s research hospital, Wounded Warrior project, ASPCA, Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, National Humane Society, American Heart Association, Easter Seals and the Animal Rescue league.

Francine was preceeded in death by her Father Benjamin Stevens Sr., Mother Vermelle (Stewart) Stevens, brothers Benjamin Franklin Stevens II, and Bertram Tony “Hamzah” Stevens.

She is gracefully survived by her aunt Olivia Stewart, sisters Saundra McMillian, April Coles, Sonja Smith (Vernon), brothers Edmond Stevens (Jenifer), Patrick Stevens, GOD-daughter and niece Cinama M. Smithers (Anthony), nieces Chastity Coles, Doneeshia “Bootsy” Giles, Beniece Stevens, Tiffany Stevens, Lauren Stevens, nephews, Tony McMillian, Lorenzo Taylor, Bradley Simms, and Dalton Stevens. Great nephews, Dominic Smithers, Landen Barnhill and great niece Torri McMillian, her beloved cousin, Edward Stewart III, and a special brother in law, Chauncey Hawkins, and a host of cousins, relatives, special friends and people.