Spellman Joseph Francois

Funeral Mass for Spellman Joseph Francois, resident of Alexandria, formerly of Mansura, will take place at St. James Memorial Catholic Church, 709 Winn St., Alexandria, LA  71301, on Friday, November 7, 2025, beginning at 10:00am with Very Rev. Craig Scott officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Cemetery in Mansura.

Spellman Joseph Francois, age 100, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at his home in Alexandria, surrounded by loved ones. Spellman was born on July 6, 1925, to Clarence Joseph and Loreana Brooks Francois in Mansura, LA. On June 3, 1955, he was united in holy matrimony to Mildred Clark Francois of Newellton, LA. From this union, one daughter, Kathy Marie Francois King, was born. 

Spellman J. Francois was a man of service, honor, and remarkable humor. He was authentically himself- witty, charismatic, and always, impeccably dressed. With his sharp wit and natural charm, Spellman could easily command the attention of any room he entered. As the patriarch of his immediate family and the eldest of the Francois Family, Spellman led with kindness, strength, and faith. He never met a stranger and touched the lives of everyone he encountered with his warm spirit and genuine heart. Spellman will be remembered as a man of integrity who truly knew and loved God. He exemplified what it meant to be honorable and steadfast in both his faith and family. His love for his church and his family was unwavering. Spellman will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, faith, and character will remain in our hearts forever.  

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted daughter, Kathy Francois King; 4 grandchildren: Derrick Fatheree (LaTina), Errick Fatheree, Andrew Rahmaan Fatheree, and Evette M. Perry; 3 great-grandchildren: Darius Smith, Dominick Fatheree, and Zyana Hughes; sisters, Doris Prevot and Nellie Rose Thompson. He is also survived by 4 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Clark Francois; parents, Clarence Joseph Francois and Loreana Brooks Francois; sisters, Ruffie Coco, Lessie Bazat, Effie Warmack, Virginia Gardner, and Bessie Francois; and brothers, Farrell Francois, Will Francois, Leroy Francois, and Malcolm Francois.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers: Derrick Fatheree, Errick Fatheree, Dominick Fatheree, Andrew Rahmaan Fatheree, Darius Smith, Phillip Lacour, Marcus Augustine; honorary pallbearers: Paul Berzat and Gail Berzat Paul. 

Visitation will begin at 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Escude Funeral Home, 6608 Porterie St., Mansura, LA 71350. Visitation will resume at 8:00am until 10:00am on Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. James Memorial Catholic Church in Alexandria, 709 Winn St., Alexandria, LA 71301.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home (318-964-2324) 6608 Porterie St., Mansura, LA 71350