Francena Wright Boykin, affectionately known as “Fran” was born June 6, 1938, to the late Charlie and Anna Gary Wright. She departed to her earthly home on July 8, 2022, at her home. Fran was raised in Rembert, South Carolina. She was educated in Sumter County Schools, Sumter, SC. While attending school in Sumter County she drove school bus and was the first female basketball player. She loved spending time with her family, especially on Sundays at her home. She had a beautiful smile and a gift to make people laugh. Fran enjoyed watching sports, her favorite basketball team was the Chicago Bulls. She also enjoyed gardening, she had a green thumb and could make anything grow.
At an early age, Francena Boykin accepted and received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She was baptized and became a member of Union Baptist Church, Rembert, South Carolina. For many years, Francena served in several organizations in the church (Pastor’s Aide, Senior Missionary, Usher, Gospel Choir, and W. D Dennis Singers) until her health declined. She was also a member of the Women’s Social Club. Francena worked at Town & Country (Lugoff, SC) and Evelyn’s Bridal Shop (Lugoff, SC) until starting her own business Fran’s Alteration’s (Camden, SC) in 1989. Fran was a gifted seamstress that could make or repair anything from scratch, it was her passion. She was a classy lady that had a love for fashion.
At a young age she married the love of her life, the late Gabriel James Boykin. To this union, six children were born. In addition to her husband, her son, Milton Luther Boykin preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Charlie Wright Jr, David Wright, and Willie English; three sisters, Annie Fowler, Rosa Lewis, and Alma McCoy; one granddaughter, Ricquindal Boykin.
She leaves to cherish her loving fond memories, two daughters, Thomasina Harris of Camden, SC and Anna B. Beaufort of Elgin, SC; three sons, Cleveland “Cle” Boykin of Bethune, SC, Rickey Boykin of Rembert, SC, Charles Boykin of Hopkins, SC; three children she raised as her own, MSgt. Ronnie Odell Wright (retired) of Columbia, SC, Anita W. Lancaster of Irmo, SC, and Eric (Sabrina) Wright of Blythewood, SC; grandchildren, Jessica, Anthony, Jameel, Jason (Kayla), Rashad, Justin, Ricquandal, Jaleesa, Whitley, Brianna, Jassmine, Jaden, Christopher; thirteen great-grandchildren, Daviontae, Jay’lin, Roger, Kntyrrion, Shionn, Saniyya, Jase, Kayci, Kelcie, Journey, Layne, Ayden, Anlsey; one living sister, Geraldine Wilson, Camden of SC; one sister-in-law, Marie Smith of Greelyville, SC; special friends, Barbara Ann Hinson, Shirley Allen, Milton Mcgee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
A special thanks to Jassmine Beaufort (granddaughter) of the home for the compassionate caregiving she gave for the past 3 years.