Sharon Marie Wilkes Francois

Sharon Marie Wilkes Francois was born on April 24, 1945, the fifth child to the union of Joseph Austin and Juanita Elizabeth Newman Wilkes. She attended school in Washington, DC; St. Cyprian Elementary School, Immaculate Conception High School; Howard University and obtained her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Accounting from the University of the of District of Columbia. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball with her sisters. She was very creative, as exhibited through her love for crocheting, macramé, scrapbooking, creating greeting cards and a host of other arts and crafts. Any family member who had a newborn baby received a handmade tissue box cover and a baby blanket made by her. She loved her family immensely and was very proud of all her children’s accomplishments. Her greatest joy was her three grandchildren, Nia, Damian Jr (DJ), and Drew. She would often share how she enjoyed the summers her three grandchildren would spend with her and Frank, as well as attending their various school and athletic activities. One of her wishes was to see her eldest grandchild Nia graduate from high school. She was able to see this come to pass in June 2019 when Nia graduated with honors from Cosby High School in Chesterfield, Virginia. She also had the pleasure of watching Nia play in her first collegiate basketball game. She is described as a devout Christian, a strong woman, determined (it was hard to ever change her mind once it was made up), well-organized, family-oriented, and loyal. One of her greatest traits was perseverance. Her devoted faith in God enabled her to face life challenges with grace, courage and dignity. Throughout the years, she enjoyed traveling and attending many affairs with her husband, Frank. They had the opportunity to travel many places, including Vienna, Austria, Puerto Rico, Antigua as well as spending a Christmas in Hawaii. One of her most memorable trips was visiting Rome in 1985, with her mother and the St. Theresa of Avila Gospel Choir, where they were bestowed the honor of singing for the Pope. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed watching Star Trek, Old Westerns and Perry Mason on TV. She is survived by her husband of 14 years, Col. Frank Francois III USA (Ret.) , daughter, Stephanie M. Covington, son, Dr. Damian L. Covington (Carol Ann), her three grandchildren, Nia Marie, Damian Jr. (DJ) and Drew L. Covington, four brothers, Joseph (Sylva), William (Audrey), Stephen (Jane) and Philip Wilkes. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Wanda Kirkpatrick, Karen L. Francois, Frank Francois IV (Ellen), and Gregory Francois (Annmarie) and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph Austin and Juanita E. Wilkes and two sisters Faye Wilkes Perry and Brenda Wilkes. In Lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Sharon may be directed to the American Heart Association DONATE BY PHONE: 1-800-AHA-USA1 or; www2.heart.org or to The Oblate Sisters of Providence info@oblatesisters.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sharon Marie Wilkes Francois please visit our Sympathy Store.