Marva Jacqueline Henriques-Francis was born on November 24, 1967 to the late Leslie Henriques and Ruthlyn Thompson in Kingston, Jamaica. While in Jamaica, her love of mangoes became apparent. She would make multiple attempts to climb to the top of mango trees to get the biggest mango. Evidence of this was left on her school uniform because she had no napkin to wipe her mouth. After completing her early education in JA, W.I. she migrated to Bronx, N.Y. in June of 1982. She attended and received her high school diploma at Evander Childs High School, where she was introduced to Ainsley Francis. During high school she participated in a Co-op and earned her CNA certification. It was there that her love of caring for others grew.
Marva was full of love and laughter, which was more apparent with the birth of her first child, Samantha Francis on March 6, 1993. This motivated her to move down south, and in 1995, she settled in Stone Mountain, Georgia. She began to build a new life with her former spouse, Ainsley Francis. On February 21, 2001 she gave birth to her son, Ainsworth Francis. After having her daughter and her son she felt her life was complete. Her words were, “Me have me gal pickney and me boy pickney, Me Dun…me nuh need no more”.
Caring for others was always a passion for Marva, so it was no surprise that she made a career of it. She provided care for those with mental and physical disabilities. Although she was forced to retire in July 2017, that did not stop her from accomplishing more in life. On October 18, 2018, Marva earned her Bacherlor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix.
Anyone who met Marva quickly realized she was attentive, witty, hilarious, loving, and hardworking. On quiet days she enjoyed knitting and a good horror movie. Her home was a refuge to others seeking a place of safety or a new start in life.
Marva leaves to cherish her memories, her children Samantha Francis and Ainsworth Francis; her two grandchildren Skye Francis and Samir Francis; her six sisters, Carol Brown, Faye Johnson, Yvonne Henriques, Tanya Henriques, Lorna Henriques, Nadine Henriques; her four brothers Steven McBean, Michael McBean, Patrick Henriques, and Andrew Henriques; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Michelle Henriques.
Marva was greatly loved and will be affectionately remembered as the comedian.
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