READING OF LIFE: " For I am ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith;" 2 Timothy 4:6-7.

Mary "Emma' French the late daughter of Edward Lee and Harriet Dowtin, was born on April 22, 1946, in Warrenton, North Carolina and departed this life June 6, 2018 at Woodmont Health Care Center in Fredericksburg, VA. At an early age, she attended Shocco Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, She faithfully attended Household of Faith World Outreach Center until she became ill and moved to Fredericksburg, VA. Some people called Mary by her middle name (Emma) while the neighborhood kids called her Mama Mary and the adults called her a friend. She loved cooking, helping people, and watching her favorite daytime soap operas, Those that knew her would say cooking was her gift. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley E. Davis and Cassie Mae Dowtin, and one brother Wade L. Dowtin. She was married to the late Dr. Winston W. French, Sr. and is survived by her children: Vincent (Angie), Leonardo (Diane), Anita (Charles), Winston (Shondra) and Christopher (Rachel). Grandchildren: Kamiko, Keynante, Zareia, Zamyra, Sherice, Ashley, Amber, Alicia, Demario, Nigel, Ayana, Tyliana, Christian and Armani, two great grandsons and one great granddaughter, three devoted siblings: Lucille , James (Chris) and Rebecca (Joe Henry). Beloved Brother-In Law, Frank French (Bonnie) and her Aunt Beatrice Dent and a host of Nieces, Nephews and friends.