Francine Elizabeth Ward was born February 4, 1953, to the late Mary D. Potter and George Johnson in Crisfield, Maryland. She departed this life on February 17, 2025, at the age of 72.
Francine was educated in the Public School System in Somerset County, Maryland. She went back to school in 2009 and obtained her GED. This was such a huge accomplishment for her. She started her career at a young age picking crabs in the seafood industry in Crisfield along with her mother and sisters. She worked in the Dietary Department at McCready Hospital and also as a Direct Support Personnel for Somerset Community Services and Bayshore Services.
Francine was a loving mother and wife who adored her family. She also cherished her sisters and brothers. Francine enjoyed going to yard sales, playing slots at the casino and making her rounds on the phone with her friends and family. Her favorite tv shows were Judge Judy, Hoarders, Family Feud with Steve Harvey and you better not interrupt her when her stories were on. She loved watching The Young and the Restless.
She leaves to cherish her loving husband of 32 years, Ronnie Ward; her children, Ternitta (Sherice) Smaw, Deidre (Joseph) Harris, Lamont Potter, Sr., Christina Potter, Tashina Potter and a special niece/daughter, Belinda Potter; six grandchildren, Lamont Potter, Jr., Maurice Potter, Khalihl Hashim, Evyan Potter, Naturi Potter and Jermya Sterling; eight great grandchildren; her sisters, Diane Williams, Mellony Bailey (Rodney) Harris; her brother, William (Tia) Johnson; a loving niece, Jerelyn Potter; nephews, Demonde Potter and Joseph (Cindia) Williams; great nieces, Latifah Potter, Tytiana Burton and Jaleeyah Williams; special sisters-in-law, Barbara Ward, Stephanie Ward and Elsie (Poochie) Ward; a host of loving cousins and other family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Antronette (Anne) Perry, brothers, Christopher Johnson, Terrance Johnson and Michael Sample and a great niece, Shanika Moore.
We all love and will miss Francine very much.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 109 N. 4th Street, Crisfield, Maryland with a viewing one-hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM, Friday, February 21, 2025, at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne.
Interment will follow at Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery, Marion Station, Maryland.
20 Responses
My condolences to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. Francine and I worked together for many years at the Tawes Nursing Home. She was always full of life and kept you laughing. I just saw her a couple of weeks ago at the Dr.’s office. I was having pain in my back and she told me “don’t claim it.”
When I left there had no idea that would be the last I would see her. RIP Francine, you will be missed.
My condolences to the family
My condolence to the family
My heart is broken once again!!
My condolences and prayers to the Family!!
My Godmother, I cherish many find memories of my Mama Bear! She adopted me, as her own before she had her 1st Ternita!!
I pray that GOD gives each of you strength and comfort during this difficult time!
RIPARADISE Mama!!
Prayers and condolences to my family. May God grant us peace during this sad period.
I’m sorry Lloyd for your loss. She was so sweet
My condolences to the family. Very sweet lady.RONNIE THIS IS SO SAD,REMEMBER GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU ARE FORSAKE YOU.HE WILL HELP YOU TO RIDE OUT THIS STORM.
My sincere condolences to the family.
RIP cousin. My condolences to her family and friends.
Our sincere condolences to the family.Sending love and prayers to you all at this time.
My deepest condolences and prayers
to th family you truly will.be miss
Sending God’s comfort for your lost. Lamont my dear nephew, you have been a true and faithful servant to your mother and father. For all those that witnessed the way you cared for your parents they should too also. I wish I could be there for you this weekend, but Auntie herself is dealing with some sickness. May the whole family be comforted that you did what you could for your mother while she was here. Love you Lamont and I’ll see you soon.
My Playsister Always was smiling,We became sisters through our Mothers.Frank(as I called her) will surely be missed Condolences to the family,My heart is broken I loved her But God loved her Best,
My Sincerest Condolences to My Family and Prayers for the Lord’s Continuing Strength and Comfort. Gentle Huggs Diane and Ronnie
We will surely miss you Fran .Those times were you would bring us grabs or just take me out or come and sit just to check on me R I P my friend love always Cookie andfamily
To the Potter/Ward Family
I was saddened to hear of Francine’s passing. My heart goes out to you and you all have my deepest condolences.
Condolences to the family of Ternitta and Family in the passing of your dear Mother you are in my prayers love you Veterans Affairs Friend/coworker
Words can’t express how I feel about losing you. But I know you are in a better place and GOD has called his angel home. You were loved dearly and you will never ever be forgotten. You will always live in us (your family) forever. I was blessed to have you as my mother & I will always treasure & cherish all of the moments we have shared together in this life & the next. I love you MOM forever & always.
Sending my condolences to everyone. I used to catch a ride to school with Miss Francine and Deidre and spent time at their house. I admired the closeness of the family.