Just Who Is Mama Francina?

Mama Francina and Daddy Frank, Circa 1925

So glad you finally asked…

Janie Francina Russell Johnson “ Mama Francina” was our Grandmother. She was short in statue (barely 4’9”), but tall in spunk and spirit. Although I was only 5 when she passed at the age of 60; I remember her being gentle and loving. I would often tell Mama that I cannot really picture her face, but I can recall her legs as if I just saw them yesterday. It was some time before I realized that I could picture her shapely legs because that is where my eye level was (smile). To assist with a visual, Mama would often say that Celeste is the one who looks most like Mama Francina.

Born in 1905, Mama Francina was well known on Amelia Island for her entrepreneurship. She was the owner and operator of a popular establishment called, “Francina’s Tea Room” located at the corner of 9th and Indigo streets. The Tea Room is where she would cook up her famous conch chowder, drum fish, oysters, BBQ, and numerous other “soul food” dishes. Each year, I try to incorporate one of her famous dishes into our menu. Last year, I asked the chef to prepare Conch Chowder. Now, I am SURE it was NOT prepared to Mama Francina’s specifications, but it was "tasty" and my personal nod to her.

Each spring, she and our grandfather, Frank Wayne Johnson “Daddy Frank” would host the annual community Easter Egg hunt on the grounds of the tea room and everyone would come from near and far to participate. I remember the stories Mama would tell about the children’s quest each year to find the “Golden Egg” which held a monetary prize for the child who located it.

Mama Francina's love for her community and family runs deep and is indicative in each of her descendants. We all hold positions or contribute to non-profit charitable organizations within our communities – sometimes in her memory. We are carrying the torch and continuing what she started, while keeping her memory, and now Mama's alive.

So, as you leave the Fancy Hat Literary Luncheon this year, and happen to pass the vacant lot on the corner of 9th and Indigo…, tip your hat, because this is where it all began.