Dr. G. Hamilton Francis
Calvary Cemetery
Section 15, Lot 85, Space NE
(1885-1963)
Dr. Francis was born in 1885 in the British West Indies, the son of Barnabus and Mary Hamilton Francis. He attended the Weslyan School at St. Christopher and the Berkeley Institute at Hamilton, in Bermuda. In 1907, he traveled to America to study medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1911, he moved to Norfolk and began practicing medicine. He became a naturalized US Citizen in 1924.
Dr. Francis practiced medicine until shortly before his death in 1963. His career culminated in the position of physician-in-charge of medical services at Norfolk Community Hospital. In addition, he participated in a wide variety of professional medical organizations, most notably as president of the National Medical Association, the oldest and largest association of African-American physicians, from 1931-1932.
Dr. Francis was also a prominent businessman and civic leader. He was the vice-president the Virginia Mutual Life Insurance Company, and president of the Berkeley Citizens Mutual Savings and Loan Association. His many civic engagements included the NAACP and the Urban League. He was married to Nevada C. Francis. They had two daughters, Alois and Gratia. He is interred at Calvary Cemetery with his wife (died 1969), daughter Gratia (died 1995), and her husband Simon Mitchell (died 1984).
Location:
Internment #:
Mrs. Alois Chavis Dies In Washington
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Dec 28, 1974;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. 12
Rites For Physician's Widow Held
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Feb 22, 1969;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B14
Dr. Francis Dies; Served Over 50Yrs.
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); May 11, 1963;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. A1
Turning Over Keys At Dedication
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Jun 3, 1961;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B15
25 Cents-A-Week Club Now A $1.6 Million Business
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); May 27, 1961;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B17
Meharry Graduates Told:
Special to Journal and Guide
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Jun 20, 1959;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B18
Dr. G. H. Francis Honored By National Medical Body
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Aug 22, 1953;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. 12
Biographical information provided by Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries.
Visitor Information
Visitor Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Free parking inside cemetery.
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 1600 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Official web site for more information: www.norfolk.gov/cemeteries
Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation Web Site: