Elsie Roberta (Nance) French

Life’s Reflection

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth were passed away and there was no more sea.

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them and be their God."

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away."

                          Revelation 21:1, 3-4

On May 18, 2022, in the late morning hour, God's gentle call came unto Elsie Roberta French at Aberdeen Village Assisted Living Center in Olathe, Kansas.                        

Come unto me, all ye that labor and I will give you rest.

                        Matthew 11:28

Born July 4, 1918, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Elsie Roberta was the 2nd of 7 children.  At the age of 5, her parents, James Nance and Hazel Rogan Nance moved the family to Kansas City Kansas.  Elsie attended Phillips Elementary School, and Northeast Junior High School.  In her early years, she united with and was baptized at the Antioch Baptist Church, where Reverend Porter was her pastor.  In 1959, she along with her husband Hezekiah, united with First Baptist Church, 500 Nebraska Avenue, KCKS under the leadership of Dr. E. A. Freeman.  She began working with the trustee board in 1972, and her service continued until she was 99 years old.  In 2009 Elsie became a 50-year member of First Baptist Church.  She truly loved her pastor Reverend Cedric L. Rowan and her First Baptist Church family.  That love was always so warmly and genuinely returned.

Waiting for Elsie on the other side are her parents, as well as her husband, Hezekiah French Sr.  Four of her sons, John Barnett; Kenneth Barnett; Thomas Barnett; and Hezekiah French Jr.; are also there.  Her beloved granddaughter, Arletta Donese Gray; will greet her with a big, beautiful smile. Her brothers and sisters, Elvira; James Jr.; Virgie; Geraldine; and Henry will meet her there too.

Remaining on this side with loving memories of her life are Elsie's daughters, Yolande White; Leatha Ingram (Johnny); and Maeday Howell (Robert).  She also leaves her son, Michael (Elizabeth); her baby sister, Sherell Smith-Lynch; and her loving and supportive daughter-in-love, Constance Barnett.  In addition, Elsie leaves many extended family members to cherish the loving memories she left with them.

Elsie was blessed to be the mother of 8; grandmother of 13; great grandmother of 14; and great-great grandmother of 2.  She was also the Foster Grandparent of all those she mentored during her 8 years as a Foster Grandparent in the KCKS School District.  Elsie Roberta will forever be in the hearts and minds of those who loved and cherished her. We give all glory, praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father for all of her 103 years.... a beautiful life, well lived!

In September of 2021, Elsie made Aberdeen Village of Olathe her home. She was truly loved and excellently cared for there by the staff of Aberdeen, and by the wonderful nurses of Ascend Hospice until her soul took flight to her heavenly home.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to those who so lovingly cared for mom before her move to Aberdeen Village including Rennae Ellis; Patricia Williams; Marveline Jackson; Barbara Bryant; and Don Young.  Your love and care enabled her to remain as long as possible in her Welborn Villa home where she had resided for 40 years. May God continue to richly bless each of you.

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