Michael Phillip George Francis

Michael Phillip George Francis, 67, passed peacefully in his sleep into the loving arms of Jesus on April 16, 2025, after a series of health issues.  He witnessed the angels singing and described his loved one’s comforting his transition home in the hours prior to his passing.

Born August 3, 1957, in Kingston, Jamaica, Michael shared stories of skipping school to catch rainbow snapper, always having a soccer ball at his feet, sipping the sacrament wine as an altar boy at Kingston Parish Church, and spending time with his close-knit family including his cousins, brothers, and sisters in Harbor View.  He had great pride in earning entry into and attending the prestigious Calabar High School.  A true American immigration story, his older sisters sponsored family members to the United States and Michael arrived in New York City Halloween Night 1970 during an electricity blackout at the age of 13.

Michael had many accomplishments throughout his life, including his service in the United States Air Force where he played on the USAF soccer team, as well as earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Social work from Arizona State University with Magna Cum Laude Honors.  He worked with at-risk youth and cared deeply about using his past struggles to help guide young people.  Although he faced many personal and health challenges, Michael was soulful and understanding, a friend in times of need, giving and fiercely loyal…. devoted to his wife, children, family members, and friends.  He had a dozen different laughs, charm and charisma were his trademarks, dancing was his second language, and he had a beautiful baritone voice.  Michael loved to bird watch, listen to reggae, and get lost in his own thoughts.  He could have chosen any path in life, but what was most important to him was his family.  He wanted to see all his children grow to maturity in Christ, let go of the burdens in their heart, and love one another.  To love and be truly loved was the gift he gave.  As Michael would say, “Inna di morrows,” he is waiting for all of us and his life force is too great to be contained in this earthly body.  Fly high away from the pain and struggles of this world until we see you again.

Michael is survived by a large family.  His wife, Margaret “Peggy” Francis and their two children Jasmine Francis and Alexis Francis in Arizona.  He has a total of 8 children and 11 grandchildren in New York, who have remained an essential part of his life: Michael Anderson and his daughters Miliana and MacKenzie; LaShawn Anderson-Medina and her son Brian Flannory; Natasha Anderson; Monique Francis and her two children, Edrick and Mishe; Michael Francis Jr. and his children MaKayla, MacKenzi and Mikey; Marlon Francis, his wife Adelene, and their three children Madison, Kiera, and Joshua.   His siblings, brother, Paul Coke, and sisters Olivia Francis-Webber, her husband Donald and sons Donald Jr and Shane; Vinette Francis and her children Janice and Kevin; Dorrel Francis-Jennings and her children Sharon and Andrew; Lorna Fairweather and her children Wayne and Alecia.  Too many cousins and friends to mention here, but many will remember the moments he was there, true and strong.  He is predeceased by his parents Frankie Francis and Ruby Smith, his brothers Stanley Francis and Stephen Francis, his daughter-in-law Alisa Anderson, and his mother-in-law Eva Meyer.

In true Jamaican spirit, we will be celebrating in several ways according to Michael’s wishes:

May 4^th, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Intimate gathering of family and friends, drop by Francis household to share food, music, and stories about Michael. We will have the hot pot going and reggae playing.

May 23^rd at 11:00 AM-11:30 AM, Full Military Honors Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85204.  All are welcome.  He will be laid to rest at the cemetery.  We plan to gather for lunch at a nearby location after the ceremony.

TBD: Celebration of Life at KCCC Newburgh Church in Newburgh, New York.  321 S. William St, Newburgh, NY 12550, Phone: 845-450-0083.

2026 TBD: Family will travel to Jamaica to release Michael’s ashes in his homeland and continue to celebrate his life “The Francis Way.”

Donations: Please, consider giving to www.impactjamaica.org in Michael’s name to support youth programs: A cause near to his heart.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.