Asmar Kamal Francis

Asmar Kamal Francis, who was affectionately known as “Azzie,” Pharaoh, and “Peace”, was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 1, 1977 to Roy G. Francis of Kingston, Jamaica and Theresa D. G. Francis of Marion, South Carolina. He was the second of three children. Asmar lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. during his early years and later moved to Columbia, South Carolina for the duration of his life. 

Asmar received his early education at P.S. 20 in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey in 1995. Asmar later acquired a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina in 2005. He is a member of the Benedict College Alumni.

As an adult, he met the love of his life, Aisha Abdul-Khaliq. They had a close, loving relationship until her passing in 2017.

Asmar had a thirst for knowledge and learning. He educated himself by reading many different genres of books. He loved to learn how to fix things. Also, he had an entrepreneurial spirit. He was self-employed in landscaping and later as a mechanic, fixing mopeds. He made a comfortable living with his moped business and had a growing clientele.

Asmar had a love and empathy for all. He was a friendly and generous person. He loved to cook on the grill and feed people in the neighborhood. He also had a passion for dogs and enjoyed taking time to care for them.

Asmar encouraged those around him to always strive for more, and he was a firm believer that your living conditions could and should not dictate your success in life. He was always willing to talk about the topic of the day, debate historical events, and delve into philosophical discussions. He was constantly buzzing with energy and activities. Even in the midst of chaos, he would remain calm and willing to offer words of encouragement.

Happiness was a big theme throughout Asmar’s life. He was close to family and his special friends. As an adult, he maintained friendships with people he knew since childhood.

Asmar was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Melvin and Violet Francis of Kingston, Jamaica, and his maternal grandparents Rev. Arthur W. Gerald and Gertrude Johnson Gerald of Marion, South Carolina.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Yasmeen Francis of Columbia, S.C., his devoted Parents Roy and Theresa Francis, his sisters Atiya S. Francis–Whitney (Bryant Whitney), Safiya N. Francis, and Jamila Francis, two nieces, Aniya and Brielle Whitney, three nephews: Barry M. Bennett, Jair Z. Williams, Daejuan Hinds, aunts, uncles, 65+ cousins, and a host of relatives and friends. 

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