Mary F. Terrell

Mary Francis Terrell-Alexander, affectionately known as "Francis" is a native of Lake Wales, Florida and her proud parents were Benjamin and Fannie Terrell. Francis had four brothers and two sisters, all of whom are deceased. She is happily married to Dennis Alexander, Sr. and is a mother of two sons, Charles and Benjamin Waldon. She has two step sons, Maurice and Dennis Alexander, Jr., eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Francis attended Roosevelt Elementary in Lake Wales, Florida and completed high school at Boggs Academy in Keysville, Georgia. She graduated from Barber Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina. In order to enhance her education, she enrolled at FAMU, Edward Walter College and New York City's YWCA Professional School which was under the directorship of the renowned Mrs. Dorothy Height. While at Boggs Academy and Barber Scotia College for both were Presbyterian schools, she studied the history and the doctrine of the Presbyterian Church and fell in love with its form of government.

Francis worked for 36 years with the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) in Jacksonville, Florida. Management began to notice this noble woman for her personal concerns and her ability to manage their resources. They realized after a short period of time that she was dependable, reliable and industrious as well as having the innate ability to logically analyzed situations before making decisions. This virtuous woman was promoted as the Young Adult Program Director at the A.L. Lewis Branch of the YWCA. Francis worked tirelessly. This type of dedication does not go unnoticed. She was promoted to the Directorship of the A.L. Lewis Branch, YWCA.

One of Zora Neal Hurston's famous quotes: "If you haven't got it, you can't show it. If you have got it, you can't hide it", sincerely describes Mrs. Alexander's character. Soon Francis was catapulted to the position of Associate Executive Director of the YWCA of Jacksonville. In this position, Mrs. Alexander was responsible for all programs in the YWCA. She was the first and only African American to serve in this capacity.

There have been many programs instituted by Francis that have brought her much joy, including "empowerment of women and leadership training" but developing the first prison program for women of Duval County ranks high among her accomplishments. She has lived to see many great women, locally and nationally, pass through the doors of the YWCA. She is so proud to have been a part of their lives.

She was a member of Woodlawn Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville for 30 years and was known as a dedicated and great church leader being responsible for many members becoming involved in the life of the church. She chaired the following committees: Worship, Evangelism and Church Growth, Christian education, Nominating and Stewardship; the 112th and 120th church anniversary celebration, elected twice to be on the pastor's nominating committee and elected to be on the sanctuary committee for their new sanctuary. She also served as Superintendent of Woodlawn's church school and was asked by the national church to develop a model for church schools.

Francis relocated to Tampa, Florida in 1990 and joined the Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church. She has served three terms on the Session, chaired the golden anniversary of Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church and has served on the following committees: Pastor's Nominating Committee, Worship, Evangelism and Christian Education committee and presently she is active on the Mission Committee. She has worked diligently with the Presbytery of Northeast Florida as well as the Senate of the South.

Francis has provided leadership to the Committee of Ministry. She was an adviser for the New Church Development and Christian Education as well as the Nominating Committee of the Presbytery. She has served faithfully as a member of the Board of Trustees for Queens College in Charlotte, N.C. and is a permanent Judicial Committee member. She has also chaired the Personnel Committee of the Senate of the South.

Mrs. Francis Terrell Alexander is the Founder and first President of the Tampa Bay Chapter of ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc) founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History.

She is a member of the NAACP of Tampa, a member of the Friend's of the Urban Library Ada Payne Chapter, a member of the National Council of Negro Women, a member of the Tampa Bay Area Bridge Club, and a member of The American Bridge Association.

Mrs. Alexander received "A Woman of Distinction" honor in 2001 by the Ebony Civic Club of Jacksonville, Florida.

Presently, Francis serves as The President of the Florida Chapter of Boggs Academy.

Zora Neal Hurston said it best when she remarked, "I want a busy life, a just mind and a timely death." This quote echoes the legacy of Mrs. Francis Terrell Alexander.