Francine Givens-Birch was born on May 26, 1955, to the late Marion Givens and Grace Givens. Francine accepted Christ at an early age. She grew up in the East 55th area on Luther Avenue. She attended East High School but graduated from Jane Addams Night School. She later attended Tri-C Community College.

Francine worked for the City of Cleveland and also for the Board of Elections. Later in life, she met and married her late husband, Henry Birch. From their union were born Akia, Akisa, Akeem (Kristal), Akira, and Kiara. Francine later found love again with Willie, whom she dated for years up until his death.

Francine loved music, playing cards, dominos, and simply being around family and friends. Francine was the realest and always told it like it was. She had the purest and most welcoming heart to everyone she came into contact with, always opening her door for loved ones.

She leaves behind five siblings: Clarence, Alonzo, Joann, Amanda, Carrie, and a special sister, Jeanette. Preceding her in death were her brothers James, Marion Jr., Milvarton, and Fonte, and her sister Karolyn.

She also leaves behind her pride and joy—precious grandchildren: Satin, Anayiah, Jamair, Anthony, Amari, Alaina, Isabella, Kartier, Naire, Damaris, Kyra, Chris, Londynn, and Logann—as well as a host of nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

Francine’s legacy as a matriarch with a warm, genuine, and kind heart will resonate for generations and forever serve as an inspiration to the many lives she graciously touched. Francine will be sadly and deeply missed.