Mary Frances Jackson was born on October 19, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Beatrice and Oliver Jackson. At a young age, Frances relocated to Pocahontas, Virginia, where she attended public school and graduated from Graham High School on May 27, 1942. In September 1942, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio.

Known by various names such as Mary Frances, Mary, Frances, or Mae, she married Nathaniel Alexander Hall on July 24, 1948. Unfortunately, Nathaniel, also known as Nate, suffered from a severe heart condition. He underwent open-heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in 1954 but continued to experience heart problems. Tragically, Nate passed away on December 26, 1957, while still in Cleveland Clinic Hospital.

Mary Frances was an active member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church for five years before joining Open Door Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a member for over 60 years. She participated in numerous church and civic organizations and activities, including singing in the Choraliers and Sanctuary Choir. Additionally, she was involved with the Order of the Eastern Star, Women of Isis, Open Door Missionary Baptist Church Nurses’ Guild, and the Goldenites.

For many years, Mary Frances worked as a “Day Worker” before being employed for sixteen years at the Cuyahoga County Center for Human Services. After her initial retirement, she served as a Senior Companion for the elderly for fifteen years.

Mary Frances was a compassionate and caring individual who provided assistance and care to her sister and several friends during their illnesses. She took care of household chores, ran errands, and visited sick individuals in hospitals, nursing facilities, and their homes. Sometimes she would go alone, and other times she would accompany deacons from her church. Known for her culinary skills, Mary Frances enjoyed entertaining family, friends, and neighbors, and was especially renowned for her delicious peach cobblers.

Always staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, Mary Frances took pride in coordinating her own outfits. She also found joy in decorating her home for various holidays.

Traveling brought Mary Frances great pleasure, and she visited numerous places, including Puerto Rico, Chicago, Detroit, North Dakota, San Francisco, New York City, Brooklyn, Columbus, and Bluefield and Pocahontas in Virginia. She led an active and vibrant life, always on the go.

Despite not having learned to drive, Mary Frances possessed a bus pass that served as her “car keys.” With her pass, she could travel anywhere she desired using the local bus service. She regularly attended senior events and parades in downtown Cleveland, relying on the bus for transportation.

Wherever she went, Mary Frances always encountered someone she knew, as she was the life of any social gathering.

In early 2019, Mary entered Montefiore. Throughout her stay, she was known for her strong will, positive outlook, sense of humor, and kind nature. Even at the age of 100, she would request staff to apply her lipstick and polish her nails when they had the time. Mary received abundant love and care from both friends and staff.

Mary was a wonderful woman who possessed a warm and friendly smile, as well as a loving spirit. She peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10:00 PM, transitioning from labor to eternal rest.

Mary Frances’ sister, Juanita McClanahan preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memory are her son Roger (Laurice), grandsons Roger Jr., Curtis Nathaniel, Henry III, and Craig Sr. (Danielle), great-grandchildren Henry IV, Curtis Jr., Craig Jr., Nia, Jalen, Elijah, Eliana, Elissa, and great-great-granddaughter Ackaria, along with a host of nieces and nephews.