Obituary of Byron G. Francis

Byron G. Francis, 90, of State College, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Born December 20, 1933 in Mount Lebanon, St. Andrew, Jamaica, he was the son of the late Phillis and Sidney. He is survived by his wife Jean; the two met in Content Gap, Jamaica and were married for nearly 65 years. Byron is survived by his 6 children, Errol, Donahue, Gary (wife Elizabeth), Andrea, Lori (husband Anthony), and Neil. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Roy and Keith, and 3 sisters, Delores, Hermine, and Megelyn. 4 grandchildren, and over 30 nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joycelyn, Michael and Granville.

In Jamaica, Byron worked as a chauffeur and private taxi driver, and with BOAC (formerly British Airways). He emigrated to the U.S. (Brooklyn, NY) from Jamaica in 1966, and worked as a heavy machine operator for Samson Paper Company. He was promoted to supervisor and retired after more than 30 years of service to the company. Byron moved with his family to Long Island, NY when the company relocated, where he spent the majority of his years before moving to State College, PA in 2021.

Byron was a loyal member of the Church of the First Born Miracle Temple Ministries in Brooklyn, NY, and he served as a deacon in the church for over 2 decades. Byron is remembered as a kind, caring and hardworking man, who treasured his family, friends and service to the church. From an early age, he cared for his siblings, and carried that caring spirit throughout his lifetime, always taking care of others and making sure that people had what they needed until his very last day. He was also an avid organic gardener, and his corn, cabbage, string beans, callaloo (greens) and beefsteak tomatoes were highly admired, thoroughly enjoyed and shared with many. With great satisfaction, he could be heard saying "I'm enjoying the fruit of my labor!"

Visitation will be held on March 9, 2024 at 12:00pm, with the funeral service immediately following at 1:00pm at Unity Church of Jesus Christ, 2280 Commercial Blvd, State College, PA. Pastor Harold McKenzie will officiate.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.