Clarence Anthony "Tony" Francois Obituary (1953 - 2022)

Clarence Anthony "Tony" Francois was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 6, 1953. He was the oldest son of Clarence and Joyce Crump Francois; and brother to Gail Francois Birden, Carol Francois, Elaine Francois, Linda Francois Johnson, Benjamin Francois, Valerie Francois, Cyril Francois and Daniel Francois. He was highly looked upon and loved dearly by his younger siblings. Clarence graduated from John F. Kennedy Senior High School. He said he was amongst the first African Americans to integrate the school. After graduating, he attended Southern University of New Orleans where he studied Commercial Art. In his teenage years, he was captivated by a young lady named Isabelle Sholes, who was wearing a cheerleader skirt on a windy day. They fell in love and later married on May 26, 1973. A year later they became first time parents to their son, Ryan Anthony. Three years later, their daughter Kristy Monique was born. "Husband" and "Father" was two of his favorite titles. He wore those hats and wore them well. That was until he was blessed with the title "Paw Paw". That supersede ALL titles. There was nothing he would not do and nothing no one can tell those girls, not even their own parents. Clarence started working on the Riverfront 48 years ago where he became a member of the Local 1497. He had many positions which lead to Lead Clerk of Rail Operations New Orleans Terminal LLC. He leaves his legacy of knowledge, smiles and laughter with his mother Joyce, wife Isabelle, and children Ryan and Kristy. He will be immensely missed by his grandchildren Tremecha, Kiersten, Ry'an and Kamryn; his siblings Gail, Carol, Linda, Benjamin, Valerie, Cyril and Daniel; brothers-in-law Lloyd Sholes, Wendell Batiste and Carlton Birden; sisters-in-law Coletha Francois, Terry Sholes, Jarusha Player, Gwendolyn Batiste, and Muriel Alugas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving friends. Clarence was called home, gained his wings, and joined his father Clarence, sister Elaine, mother-in-law Josie Sholes, father-in-law Lloyd Sholes, brothers-in-law Kevin Johnson Sr, Donald and Floyd Sholes, and Emmitt Player; niece Veronica Parker, and great-nephew Ta'Colby Burton. Clarence "Tony" left a mark on everyone he met from family, friends, and co-workers, to tenants at gas stations from New Orleans to Gramercy. We all will miss that witty personality and smile, but it's your time. WE LOVE YOU! A celebration of life honoring Clarence "Tony" Francois will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at First Community Antioch Baptist Church, 10860 LA-3125, Gramercy, LA 70052. Visitation from 8am to start of services at 10am. Interment to follow at Providence Memorial Park and Mausoleum Cemetery, 8200 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70003. Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052. "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory become a TREASURE!" To share condolences and thoughts, and to sign guest book, please visit: www.treasurefunerals.com. Due to COVID-19 and CDC guidelines and restrictions, masks and social distancing are REQUIRED!!