Francena Delores Cummings

Francena Delores Cummings was born March 17, 1943, to the late Samuel J. Cummings and Lillar B. Saunders in Metcalf, Georgia. She was the oldest of five children, two sisters and two brothers, Ralph Cummings (Ray) Pepper Pike, OH, Brenda Cummings Stover, Cleveland OH, Beverly Cummings Harrison who passed April 16, 2022, Thomasville Georgia, Leonard Cummings (Pee Wee), Cleveland, OH. She was raised by her grandparents, Lessie and Plummer Saunders.

She joined the church at an early age in Metcalf, Georgia, Mount Sinai AME Church. She graduated from Magnolia High School as the valedictorian. From there she received a BS degree in Science from Paine College Augusta, Georgia, Masters Degree Michigan State University and a PhD. at Wisconsin University. She had a variety of jobs. She started teaching school in Sandersville, Georgia and Coolidge, Georgia. She moved from Thomasville to Silver Spring, Maryland and started teaching Quality Integrated Education where she was a Science Education Specialist at Julius West Middle School. She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women, MD Section, a member of the NAACP, inducted into the Bouquet of Doctors Honor Society, Magnolia High School Hall of Fame inductee and a member of Montgomery County Association on Black Educators. Latter part of her career, she moved to Tallahassee, FL and worked as Director of the Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Mathematics and Science (SERVE). She was a faithful member of Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, FL and worked consistently with the Summer School Program. She enjoyed playing cards, going to the dog races, shopping, traveling, being with family and friends. Francena was also an advocate for children and education. She was most beloved by her many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Especially her two road dogs, Ashley and Dajah.