By Antonio D. French
Filed Friday, February 16, 2007 at 9:25 AM
The wake for my grandmother, 21st Ward Committeewoman Myrtle French, is tonight from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Randall and Sons Funeral Home, 4600 Natural Bridge Ave. The funeral services will be tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., also at Randall. Labels: Announcements
Myrtle L. French, longtime community organizer and Democratic Committeewoman of the 21st Ward, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2007 at the age of 79.
Her strength, charm, determination, wisdom, and laughter will be deeply missed by son Fernandel French; grandchildren Antonio D. French, Diane F. Donaldson, and Deon F. Donaldson; sister Mildred Phipps and her husband, Robert, and children; sister Barbara Gess and her husband, Col. William Gess, and children and grandchildren; niece Shirley Spencer and children and grandchildren; nephew Jimmy Williams and children; many other relatives around the country, and countless neighbors and friends.
Myrtle Long was born August 31, 1927, the eldest of four daughters to James and Mary Long. A devoted mother and housewife for many years, she began in politics alongside then-husband, R.C. French, as an organizer in the 1960s in the old 20th Ward working with Committeeman Leroy Tyus and Committeewoman Geneva Wright.
In the 1970s, she moved into the 21st Ward and became a close ally of State Representative Russell Goward and Committeewoman Jackie Butler.
She diligently served the City of St. Louis as a Deputy Sheriff from November 1983 to retirement in March 1994.
After the tragic death of her daughter, Diane, in January 1990, Myrtle became legal guardian of her grandson, Antonio.
After decades of working to get others elected to public office, in August 1996 Myrtle was elected 21st Ward Committeewoman, an office in which she took great pride and served honorably, and was re-elected by the people of her ward ever since.
6 Comments:
Antonio, Accept my deepest sympathies.. steve in st. lou
2/16/2007 9:55 AM
Thank you for providing that bio about her. Its important for us to understand that Ms. French is part of our local political history. I know she is proud of all your successes.
2/16/2007 10:29 AM
Again, my thoughts are with you and your family. Unfortunately, my great aunt, nearly 102, former employee of Laclede Gas Company and long time City resident, will probably be passing soon. These are sad times, but those who pass along will always be with us in our memories.
2/16/2007 10:43 AM
Mrs. French always brought to Central Committee meetings her beaming smile and cheery disposition. She was friend to all of us and a great Democrat.
She will be sorely missed by our city and our Party.
On behalf of the Democratic Party in St. Louis and the Central Committee, please accept our deepest sympathies and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian Wahby
Chairman
2/16/2007 11:00 AM
Mrs. French was a woman of great conviction, and if she was on your side you could count on her 100%. She was greatly concerned about the future of the black community and worked hard to improve it. She always carried herself as a classy lady in the midst of any situation and I will miss her. I always appreciated her phone calls and the advice she gave to me.
The one thing I know for sure is that Mrs. French provided Fernandel and Antonio with the love, wisdom, knowledge, education, and tools to carry the torch.
Fernandel and Antonio, I know you will keep the flame burning strong.
My prayers, sympathy, and empathy as well as the 26th Ward are with both of you during this difficult time.
Peace & Love,
Joseph Palm
Committeeman of the
"Mighty" 26th Ward
2/16/2007 11:44 AM
I see where you got a lot of your good qualities. I'm sorry for your loss. I loved my grandmas, long gone, Edie and Ma, very much.
2/16/2007 10:40 PM
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