Rosetta Blakes Francois

Rosetta Blakes François was born November 4, 1933 into the loving arms of Henry Sr. and Elizabeth Blakes (James) and shaped by the soil and sounds of Woodville, Mississippi. Her early-life was surrounded by tight-knit siblings, comprised of 12 brothers and three sisters, she is survived by Janet and Ledell Blakes. A proud family Matriarch, Rosetta personified her love of Christ and maintained a rigorous prayer life. Steeped in the ways of the Gulf South she swayed to Shirley Caesar on Sundays and Muddy Waters on Mondays. The Queen of Marigny St. for over 50 years, Rosetta was married to Oscar François Jr. and from their union came Arthur François (deceased) (Deborah), Rose François Brundage (James), Rosetta Marie François, and Kathleen François Pumphrey (Michael). Together, Rosetta and Oscar built a thriving family with several real estate properties throughout the 8th and 9th Wards as well as Home Away From Home- a staple community daycare serving two generations of New Orleans’ children. The impact of Oscar and Rosetta's matrimony continues to ripple throughout the family, nourishing the lives of 9 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren and 12 Great-Great Grandchildren as well as a host of relatives and friends. Affectionately known as “Ms. Ewing” Rosetta was always fashion-forward and equally meticulous about her home decor. On a good-day you could find her perched behind her red rose bush, pink rocking chair swaying as she nourished her sweet tooth with donuts from Daddy’s and cinnamon rolls from Adrienne’s. Not one for half-hatched plans Rosetta lived life on-purpose, while fulfilling her purpose. When she was called home on March 13, 2024 she responded as only a rose could, beautifully, boldly and ever ready to bloom. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Pentecost Baptist Church, 1510 Harrison Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122 on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:00 am. Visitation at 9:00 am. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.