Frances "Frenchie" Williams Croom

Frances “Frenchie” Williams Croom December 14, 1924 – March 18, 2026 Frances “Frenchie” Williams Croom, a woman of profound faith and devotion to her family, entered into eternal rest at the age of 101. Born in New Orleans to Myrtle “Mirk” and Andrew “Bubba” Williams. The family resided in New Orleans, Louisiana until the passing of her mother. Frances was only in elementary school at this time. She then returned to Prairieville where she was then raised by her maternal grandparents, Isabella and Nathan Ricks. Many memories were made here with her older, beloved brother Dan. Frances would occasionally visit her paternal grandparents Alonzo and Luvenia Cole Williams who also resided in Prairieville. Frances attended school in Prairieville, Louisiana and was a member of the basketball team. She enjoyed the challenge of playing guard. Her aunt, Hattie Hatterson, was her mom’s only sister. Hattie was a key instrument in the development of Frances’ life. While living in Baton Rouge, she came to meet the love of her life, James “Sagoo” Croom. On December 21, 1942, they married. Frances and James started their family in Arkansas where three sons were born. Later they returned to New Orleans, where they had two daughters. Together, they built a life rooted in love and hard work raising their five children in the Carrollton (Pigeon Town) neighborhood. Frances was a proud and industrious woman that worked and loved with grace and diligence. She was also the heart of her home. She had a boundless capacity for love that made every child and grandchild feel like they were the center of her world. She ensured her family was raised with a strong spiritual foundation. Frances was a dedicated member of Second Free Mission Baptist Church. She served faithfully on the Usher and Deaconess Boards until her health began to decline. Some of her closest friends (extended family) were: Deceased - Eunice McCoy, Ida Green, , Irma Breaux, Daisy Croom, the Wilkersons, the Crockettes, Ethel Ruffin, “Dut”, and Elnora. Others: Maxine Weathersby, Lottie Gray and Parmee Jenkins. Frances’ homecoming is rejoiced by those who preceded her in death: Parents - Andrew and Myrtle (Ricks) Williams, Husband - James Croom, Daughter - Elizabeth Ann Croom Gillard, Grandson - Mitchell Gillard, Sister - Maggie Walker, Brother- Dan Darville, Brothers and sisters -In-law: Brothers and sisters in law - Charles & Geneva Croom, Johnny & Rosena Croom, Cecile Pendleton Croom and a long list of other uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Her legacy lives on through her surviving children: Carl Vincent, Andrew Lee, and Oliver (Laverne) Croom and daughter: Tammy Croom Brumfield. Grandchildren: Leslie Foucher, Dr. Germaine Croom, Andrew Croom, Jr (Kailin)., Tiffany Rodgers Snelson (Anthony), Shailyn Croom James (Gregory), Olivia and Oliver Croom, Khadijah Levy, Takena Rashonda Moore (Ahmed Hamido Mohamed), Brittany Marie Brumfield Varnado (Jamalus). Great grandchildren: LeShira Foucher, Jairad Jackson, Tyrell, Tyshara, Keion, and Kayden Croom, Dayton Alexander, Jr and Alaya Snelson, Lyric, Micah and Mira Gillard, Kiouri, Giovanna and Ro’mario Santos, and Basmala Hamido, and Kadrian Varnado. Great, great grandchildren: Kam’ryn Lewis and Javion Santos. Sisters Ruby Curley and Van Taylor. And a host of other family and friends. “…He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die… John 11: 25-26. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend her Funeral Service at Second Free Mission Baptist Church, 1228 Burdette Street on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment: Providence Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook and share condolences with the family.