Lela (Minnie Pearl) Thompson Francis, of New Orleans, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on sunset April 19, 2017, at the age of 79.

Lela was born on March 19, 1938, in Bogalusa, to Pearlie and Ott Thompson. She is survived by her daughters, Kashmia Matthews (Jerome Sr.) of Terrytown, Patricia T. Noel of New Orleans, and Pamela Ferrand (Edwin Sr.) of Slidell. She is the proud grandmother of Jenic Gentles (Libni) of Little Rock, Ark., Jerome Jr. Matthews (Erica) of Harvey, Rickey Noel Jr. of New Orleans, Rickelle Rayford (Melvin Sr.) of New Orleans, Robert and Patrick Noel of New Orleans, Jason Ferrand of New Orleans, Jenia Johnson (Michael) of Slidell, and Edwin Ferrand Jr. of Atlanta, Ga. Also, she is mourned by her aunt, Alberta Robinson of Varnado; her sisters, Eva Beavers of Varnado, and Rose Roberts of Slidell; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Friday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m. at True Vine Baptist Church, located at 2008 Marigny St. in New Orleans. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery, in Biloxi, Miss.

Sign the guestbook online at www.anewtraditionbegins.com.