Frances H. Lawrence

Frances H. Daniels Lawrence, 74, of Cromwell, CT, widow of Donnie Lawrence, departed this life peacefully on January 11, 2024.

She was born on February 28, 1949 in New York, NY. She was raised by her grandmother, Mabel B. Jackson, who she lovingly called “Mama.”

Fran moved to Connecticut with her family when she was five years old, first to Meriden, then settled in Middletown when Mama built their family home on Sunset Terrace.

Frances was educated in the Middletown school system and graduated from Middletown High. Following graduation, she held a few positions before finding her career at Connecticut Valley Hospital. She worked in medical records and reached the rank of Medical Records Specialist II. Fran retired after 31 years in 2003.

Fran was known for her fashion sense. She loved to shop. It didn’t matter if it was a brick and mortar store or QVC. She was a fashionista at heart. She loved to cook specializing in gourmet recipes. Fran was outspoken. She was direct. She said what she meant and meant what she said. She valued old fashioned home training and made sure to Instill theses values in her daughter. Frances taught her the importance of manners and respecting others and herself. She gave her daughter the tools necessary to survive.

Frances Loved the lord. She was raised in the Baptist denomination but became Methodist and joined Cross Street AME Zion Church about 15 years ago. She was a faithful member of the Women’s Ministry. She openly and freely praised God for all his blessings and could often be heard saying “To God be the Glory!” She was also a dedicated member of The American Legion Auxiliary unit 206 where she held the position of secretary for over 10 years.

Fran was predeceased by her grandmother, and her loving husband. She leaves to mourn her passing, her only child, committed daughter Michele K. Daniels of Waterbury, CT; one sister, Catherine Daniels, Far Rockaway, NY; her very special aunt Gloria Daniels of Quincy, MA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Frances was loved and will be missed dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Cross Street AME Zion Church, 440 West St., Middletown. A burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church on Friday morning from 10 to 11:00 a.m. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.