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 (husband Robert) and children;
sister Barbara Gess (husband William Gess), children and
grandchildren; niece Shirley Spencer, 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 Rep. Russell Goward and Committeewoman Jackie Butler. French was first elected committeewoman in 1996 and was re-elected by the people of her ward ever since.
The wake will be Friday, February 16, from 4-8 p.m. at Randall and Sons Funeral Home, 4600 Natural Bridge Ave. The funeral services will be Saturday, February 17 at 10 a.m.