On January 6, 1960, a bouncing baby girl was born to Clarence and Emo Jean Francis, whom they lovingly named Karen Michelle. Karen means "pure," which points to the wonderful innocence of childhood and the loving, pure nature baby embodies.  Michelle is a derivation of the Biblical name Michael—Michelle means "who resembles God" or "who is like God?"  She was known to family and church members as Michelle and as Karen to schoolmates.

Michelle enjoyed spending time with her family in Courtney, Texas and in Burton, Texas.  In Courtney, she enjoyed picking pears and pecans.  While in Burton, she didn't enjoy taking care of the animals but she loving helping her grandmother take care of the vegetable garden.  Many memories were made with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many other family members.  With her bright smile and infectious laugh, Michelle was able to light up a room and lift the spirits of many.

Michelle flourished in a family that was rooted in the belief of a Living God.   The Francis family was forever engaged in the Lord's worship; therefore, Michelle was an active member of the church.  Having confessed that Jesus hung, bled and died for her sins, she attended and was baptized at First Ward Baptist Church under the Leadership of Rev. W. E. Gibbs.  Michelle also attended Greater First Baptist Church and  later united with the Yale Street Baptist Church.  Michelle was involved in all of the ministries at the church: Sunday School, Usher Boards, Baptist Training Union (BTU), Bible School, and the Junior and Senior Choirs.   She served as Presidents of several organizations.  She participated in all Sunday services – from Sunday School at 9:30 am, Morning Worship at 11:00am, afternoon Service at 3:00 pm and evening worship at 7:00pm.  Michelle was blessed with a voice like none other and people came from all over to hear her sing such songs as The Holy Ghost and Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving.   Michelle was an active member of the Yale Street Baptist Church's softball team.  With her athletic talents and those of her teammates, many trophies were won.  No one could beat that team!

Michelle shared her God-given singing talent to sing with Booker T. Washington Concert Choir and with the Yale Street Baptist Church Singing Trio that consisted of Michelle, Samaria Townsend-Glenn, Sharon Hunter-Crear.  She also sang with her cousins, Ellen and Ronnie Porter in the Ronnie Porter and the Angelics group.

Michelle was a proud graduate of the class of 1978 of Booker T. Washington High School for Engineering Professions, Houston ISD.  Michelle was such a friendly person that she developed life long friendships during her school years.  During her high school years, Michelle met Dexter Jackson, who later became her husband.  To this union,  three children were born, KaTrina, KiJuana, and Dexter II.

Michelle loved people and enjoyed helping people.  Among her many talents, Michelle was the family doctor.  Given the symptoms, she could diagnose the illness and tell you what you needed to take. Michelle dedicated 30 years of her life working in the insurance industry claims department helping people.

Michelle loved her family and her grandchildren.  Michelle was active, full of energy and an inspiration to many.  She loved life and lived it to the fullest.  Michelle was like her dad, Deacon Clarence Francis as she loved talking on the phone; talking to the elders of the church and the church members.  Michelle was a dedicated member of the church.  She faithfully attended services until her health failed and she could no longer attend.   Throughout her illness, Michelle never lost her love of Jesus nor her smile.  She remained strong in her faith and rooted in the word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Her labor is finished; her battle is done; and she is now in the land of "no more".  No more pain, no more worries and no more hospitals.  As in the song she sang, "It was early one morning, just before the break of day…" on Saturday, February 10, 2024, Jesus called Michelle home to the place He had prepared for her.  Michelle is preceded in death by her parents, Deacon Clarence and Emo Jean Francis  and her daughter, Katrina Jackson Smith.  Michelle leaves to cherish her memory her son, Dexter II, Daughter, KiJuana Jackson, (Cody), and son-in-law, Damien Smith, three brothers, Ronald Francis, (Angela), Gregory Francis and Eric Francis (Elizabeth), Sister-Cousin, Sandra Kelly, and Special Cousin Linda Francis, grandchildren, Brice Smith, Kaelynn Smith, Cody Washington II, Emory Smith, Cayden Washington, Caylee Washington, Damien Smith Jr, one God Daughter, Gabrielle Steen, Marlon and Thelma Phillips, God parents, Special Mom - Ruby Yancy,  close friends Sharon Crear, Paulette Daniels and Laura Wiltz and a host of other relatives and friends.