As a child who found love in her very own adoptive family, in 2001 Lela Francis decided to pay it forward! This is when she opened her home as a CHOSEN foster parent with Baptist Family and Children’s Services. In describing her adoptive family, Lela stated, “The love foundation from childhood to adulthood is still firmly in check.” When asked why she wanted to become a treatment foster parent, she quoted the following scripture:
“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” ~ Proverbs 22:6
Staff members and Treatment Parents are mourning the loss of one or our most dedicated, long-standing foster parents, Ms. Lela Francis. After 12+ years of service, Lela adopted Richard, now 15, and was a longtime treatment parent to Brijette, now 12. She was so proud of them! Not only did she involve them in martial arts, but saw them excel in this sport and cheered them on endlessly. A proud picture of Richard with his black belt adorns the halls of Baptist Family and she smiled every time she saw it. She attended all of Brijette’s competitions and was so pleased with her success.
Lela was at every meeting and every event, with a hug and words of encouragement! In remembering her, we all have agreed she was truly a strong woman with a heart of gold. We ask you topray for Lela in her homecoming with her most precious Lord, and for the wisdom and judgment of those charged with the care of these youth that she has left behind.
May her example of paying it forward be an inspiration for us to be grateful for all we have and share our gifts with others! For the Lord promises that a life spent following His will ends with the words “well done, my good and faithful servant.”