By: Dee DePass
Former Star Tribune Features Team Leader Delma Francis passed away Saturday in a nursing home in New Hope after several weeks of illness.
Her daughter Whitney is here in the Twin Cities. She and Delma’s brother, Terry, are in the process of arranging a virtual memorial service next week – Jan. 12. More details are coming and will probably be posted on Delma’s Facebook page. Many of you will remember Delma for her big smile, Kentucky accent, happy disposition, love of young people and her willingness to roll up her sleeves to help people.
She was an active member of Twin Cities Black Journalists, NABJ, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., had a love of music and sang in several area choirs over the years. She was a friend and mentor to journalism interns near and far. Delma joined the Star Tribune after stints at the Louisville Times, Richmond Times Dispatch, and the Hartford Courant. Delma ran the Strib’s Christmas Toy Drive for years. She loved Christmas and celebrated her birthday on Dec. 16. So December was her month and she made it festive.
Delma said she was forever grateful for the friends she made in Minnesota. Though many were separated from her for years, she was so happy they reconnected in these last few months. She mentioned this several times when friends last visited with her in November. R.I.P. Delma. You are loved.