Mary Frances Furlow

The Early Years: Mary Frances Walker Furlow was called home to be with the Lord on September 15, 2021. She was born in Ramer, Alabama to the late Lemon and Loucinda Hogan Walker along with her siblings: Lessie Myricks, Lemon Walker, Lucille G. Clark, Robert Walker, and Johnnie Walker. Her family moved to Massillon, Ohio in 1928 when she was 5 years old. At the age of 9 years old, Frances was baptized at the Friendship Baptist Church by the late Rev. Wm. Wright. This was the beginning of many years of church participation. She was a 1941 graduate at Washington High School where she sung with the Washingtonians and a member of the National Honor Society. Frances's love of music was evident by the many churches and organizations she played for throughout the city. Frances was pianist for Friendship Baptist Church Youth Choir for many years. After 33 years as a member of Friendship Baptist Church of Massillon she joined the newly formed Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in 1965. Through the years, Frances was also the pianist for St. James AME Zion, under Rev. Davis, Church of God in Christ under Elder Wallace, pastor, Union Baptist Church under Rev. C. Henderson, pastor. Also, Morningstar Baptist Church under Rev. C.R. Gladman, pastor. And Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under Rev. Joseph Harkless, pastor. She was also a member of the Edwards Choral Ensemble for 25 years. Frances met and married harry Furlow and to that union four beautiful children were born. The following is in our dear mom's own words. My Children: To all my darling Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren & Great Great Grandchild. God blessed me abundantly when each of you were born! I feel better than blessed because of ALL of you! To Harry, Phyllis, Carl & Lynda; Through the years as you grew from childhood to being adults, you made me so proud! You gave me the strength & motivation to go to work every day. Instead of wallowing in pity because of my situation, I accepted my responsibility gladly! You were my reason for living! I needed you more than you needed me!! For this, I THANK YOU!! I honestly do not believe that I would have lived this long if it had not been for my Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren. I thank all of you for the joy that you have given me through the years. I know that I have been a good mother. I hope to always be a positive influence in your lives! I love each of you with all my heart. Always put God first in your life and you will succeed! Lean on God and not man for strength & peace! I am a witness that He will sustain you! My heart is yours, Mom. Politics: I encountered much prejudicial actions during the 50's & 60's with the Urban League under the Future Outlook League (FOL) which was a civil rights group in Massillon. John Holley, the director of the FOL- led to the development of the NAACP. I was very active throughout the many years and Mr. Ed Greer and I, were honored in Akron, Ohio for being the last of the Future Outlook League Group in 2018. Boards: I served on the Board of Stark County Council on Aging. Board member of the Area Wide Agency on Aging in Green, Ohio. Past Board member of the National Hemophilia Foundation of Cleveland, Ohio Chapter. Senior Board member of the Summit County Sheriff Department. Jobs: I worked as a main (the only black) at the Massillon Inn Hotel in the early 50's. Lotsw of prejudicial acts were demonstrated by the management of this hotel and I was fired for speaking up and out during that time. I also worked for the John Brooks Funeral Home in the 50's & 60's. Massillon State Hospital. I received 2 years of college credit and became the charge nurse on 3-11 shift. I was over Cottage C- one of the worst places on the grounds. I did a before & after, I linked the worst with the best and created a choir of clients. I had a fashion show with the clients. Union Baptist Church adopted my choir of clients – 65 ladies. It was written up in the Massillon Independent Newspaper. I moved from Massillon to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Worked from 1870 – 1987 with Summit County Department of Health & Human Services. I was a Medicaid Eligibility Specialist, Age for the Aged or working with Seniors as a Case Manager for years. I said, “Have a mind of your own.” I sad, “God has divinely guided my path, and Everything is a Blessing like my book.” I spoke my mind! More Children: Over the years, I have strived to be an act of encouragement, motivator & an inspiration to all. Especially my children, Jean, Harry, Phyllis, Carl & Lynda. They have been good to me and for me. I always said, “I needed them more than they needed me.” I would say, “I loved being a mommy.” When my kids were grown, I felt the need to mother other children. I join the local Nanny's Association. I started with Josie McMillan's kids; Susie, John, Bobby & Danny. They all still keep in touch today. Marlene's kids came next' Aaron (Sweet Face) and sister Erica. Then there was Jackie Williams of Toledo, Ohio & Rhonda of Akron, Ohio. The last were Dr. John Thottam and his wife Greer of North Canton, Ohio and Naples, Florida who had four children; Gabrielle, Isabel, Mariel & John Paul. I took a job as a nanny and ended up loving them as they were my own!! They still keep in touch. Actually, it was Isabel that published my first book at 93 years young, “Joy Comes in the Morning.” I just want mothers to know, I don't care how bad things get in life, things will get better! I believe that God is rewarding me in my last days; longevity, no pain, no stress, a good mental state and through it all, I NEVER doubted God's word: THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT!! Church Family: I joined Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Wright and J.L. Lancaster. At 9 years of age, my sister, Lucille and I began singing and we opened for Mahalia Jackson in the 50's in Massillon, Ohio. I later joined Mt. Calvary under the leadership of J.L. Lancaster and still today I am a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, dedicated to serve God until I am called home. Retirement: In 1987, I retired with a grand retirement party and have been enjoying my retirement ever since. I worked for Paquelet Funeral Home driving the limousine and sang, read the acknowledgment & obituaries. I must say, “MY LAST YEARS HAVE BEEN MY BEST DAYS!!” Mary Frances Walker Furlow leaves to cherish her memories and her extraordinary legacy. Mom has left her beautiful mark on this World by leaving behind her loving children Jean {Gilford} Harry, Phyllis, Lynda and the spirit of Carl. Her Grandchildren; Candi, Cordell, Leslie, Danielle, Harry II, Chanell, Valeria, Derrick, Jennifer, Jason, Kermit and Chinello. He r Great Grandchildren; Ashley, Derien, Haylie, Hudson, Cameron, Lucas, Ruby and Cassie. Her Great Great Grandchild, Payton. Mom also leaves to mourn her passing her Sister-in-law, Norma J. Walker, her niece Diane, her nephew Jeffery (Bonnie), Special Cousins, Darlene, Terrance, Pete, Stacey and Abron. Mom also leaves her incredibly special friends, Rosa, Mary, Marva, Marge, Priscilla, Johnny and Connie, Jessie, Gilda, Janet and David, her beloved church family and a host of Hogan family, especially her caregiver, Jeanie and the Briarwood Assisted Living Family and so many more special relationships!! Remember to keep her legacy alive. Live life to its fullest, live each day and each age of your life. When you do this, you can look forward with confidence and back without regrets!!! A Home Going Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 25th, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Paquelet Funeral Home and will be streamed through Facebook Live Streaming . The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hemophilia Foundation. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Temperatures will be taken and Masks Are Required. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory (330) 833-3222