I’m so grateful for Dr. Oputa’s service on the City Parks Commission. She fought the good fight to the end. She will be greatly missed.

Dr. Francine,
Your infectious joy for life will be forever with us as we take up your banner and try to carry on by your splendid example. May your family find solace in what can only be a lifetime of love and light.

Dr. Oputa had such a loving and vibrant spirit! Her presence was felt throughout the Fresno State Campus and in the community! A safe haven for many, a mentor to more than she would ever know, and, as I told her, the epitome of God's spirit, His grace, and His goodness! She has touched so many lives, and those of us whose lives she touched are better because of her! She will undoubtedly be missed, without a doubt! My condolences and prayers are with her family, friends, and those whose lives she touched....we are many!!

I will forever remember the melodic cadence of Dr sister First Ladies voice. Her tonality was lyrical and poetic…….She made every person in her presence feel important and special. I have countless memories of moments she gave me that forever changed the trajectory of my life. There are not enough thank you’s to even begin to Thank you for being a part of my life❤️ rest in heavenly powerful peace, dear sweet, sister

With deepest sympathy to the entire Dr. Francine Oputa family. It was a blessing to had known someone with such a loving spirit with all she came in contact with. God is rejoicing in Heaven that another one of his vessels answered his call. Continuance prayer for her husband, children and all whom knew her and loved her dearly... Rest in Paradise, Dr. Francine Oputa. ✌️ ❤️ ✝️ 

Extending Loving-kindness, Peace, and Comfort to the Oputa Family. Dr. Francine Oputa truly loved humanity with all its flaws, strengths, beauty, and complexities. Experiencing her Grace and non-judgmentalness serves as my life's reminder to never take our personal freedom for granted, and that every person upon this earth has a purpose. We Love You Francine. I Love You and Thank you for standing when others could/did not. In Peace-Kassandre Clayton-Johnson & Willie Johnson Jr.

To Dr. Francine,

You gave us so much of yourself, and in doing so, you showed us the best version of ourselves. 

Thank you for the life lessons, the storytelling, the optimism, and the courage. 

Thank you for truth, light, and the hope to lead a life of virtue and honor and love. 

Saúl, Mariana, Arion, & Leo

Such a beautiful soul and mentor Francine Oputa was to me. I had the pleasure of working with for in Fresno at CSATT for a few years back in the 80s. One of MANY memories that remains with me is when we went to a women's retreat and I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, Danielle, and I was struggling with morning sickness terribly that weekend. Francine was my "mommy" that weekend and made sure I was taken care of and she had the ladies pray over me and my daughter... I will never forget that weekend.... and Francine, I will never forget you.... rest in heavenly peace, my sweet friend. I will pray for your husband and your beautiful children during this most difficult time.

Dr. Francine found a way to do that most difficult thing—modeling the way, and leading others to recognize for themselves the changes they can create in the world, and in their own lives/characters/assumptions. She was wise, generous, brilliant, a trusted leader, colleague, and friend. I am so grateful to have known and worked with her. Especially, it was always a joy to hear her speak of her three children, and the unbounded pride she had in what you all have accomplished, and the amazing humans you’ve become. Rest in peace, dear one.

She was more than just a mentor and friend, she literally became my life line at one of the lowest and darkest times in my life. She spoke light to my darkness and peace within my storm. She assumed the role of the othermother and helped my own natural mother pull me back from the depths of despair. I came to her broken in pieces and she helped put me back together again. I wouldn’t have made it through my undergrad without her. She saw me in grief but thank God we celebrated victories and triumph together as well. That cloud of witnesses keeps growing with the ones I love. Sending love and prayer to her beautiful daughters and wonderful husband. My life will forever be richer because of this beautiful queen.

I can’t remember the day we meet,because I was a child but I’m forever grateful to have known you and be taught many lessons by you, you were my Sunday school teacher and all the stories I know about god are because of you and I enjoyed hearing you sing every Sunday I attended church, you were cherished and will be missed so much mrs.Oputa I know you are rejoicing in gods kingdom

Such a beautiful soul. Anyone who came in contact with her, left a better individual for it. Her wisdom and grace were felt, even without her having to say a word. A wonderful woman, through and through. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her husband and family, as well as all those who had the great opportunity to know her.

May her name and memory forever be a blessing. I and my sister are sending positive vibes, hugs and prayers to the family, friends and facility. She was a bundle of life.

I am so saddened by your passing, dear Francine. You were a guiding light and ray of hope for every person you encountered. Your incredibly positive impact on our communities is immeasurable. Thank you forever for you peace, your love, your support, your kindness. We will all live in them for all our lives. I love you. Sincere condolences to Henry and all your family

Dr Francine, we first met in Fresno State in 1996 when you presented your equality workshop with Dr Doyle class. over the years we became great friends and colleagues as we worked in our doctorates and the work you did at the women's center and beyond we last spoke at the senior care symposium in may he shared your life story which was awesome and your words of wisdom for elders attending the May celebration your memory in life legacy will live on through your family, your friends, your colleagues, and those who have met you throughout your life journey you're now our guardian angel watching over the world that you help change for so many years blessings my friend, mentor, collie, and community advocate blessings Dr Bill

May her memory be a blessing. I served with Francine on many university committees. She was a wise woman. I considered her a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration. Whenever she gave a performance of stories I was there. I will miss her. She is someone who will be missed by many and remembered by many.

This heartbreaking. My time at Fresno State was greatly enhanced because of Dr. Oputa. She always had a story, book or word of encouragement each time I visited her office. I was a better student because of her generosity, wisdom and kindness. She truly will be missed- Dalitso

Francine was such a safe place when times were challenging as Billy Walker wrote I thought the exact same thing before I read his tribute, that is why I repeating it. Pastor Henry and family Jackie and I are so sorry for your loss. Know we will be keeping you in our prayers.

I am deeply saddened to hear about Francine’s passing. I had the privilege to work with her at Fresno State. I admired her drive and advocacy to create a safe haven of acceptance, inclusion and kindness on our campus for ALL! My condolences to her family during their time of sorrow

My heart is heavy. Francine was such a safe place when times were challenging. A voice of reason and love. She will be truly missed.

So sad to hear this news. Her work at Fresno State and in the community has been important and touched many lives.

Dr. Oputa was an inspiration to every Black women she ever came in contact with. She exuded elegance and gave such eloquent ambiance when ever she walked in a room. She taught me the necessity of acknowledging who I was going to be and to take courage in being a Strong Black Woman!! She will forever be a shinning light in my memories, but more importantly now she’s in the memory of Jehovah‍♀️

Francine was a special light in our city. Love, peace, acceptance, empathy, understanding and gratitude emanated from her. What originated in her heart was cared for and amplified by her family. Henry, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family and may God have His hand on you all during this time.

Dr Oputa was an amazing force of change and positivity. She left a legacy of good here at Fresno State and in the Central Valley. A wonderful mentor and friend. I feel very fortunate to have known her and loved her. So heartbroken over this. Sending so much love to Dr Oputa’s family.

I am completely devastated and heart broken from this sudden news. Dr Oputa was a surrogate mother to me while I was in college. She taught me I was a woman of virtue, exposed me to things I was one un aware of and loved me. I will forever cherish our memories. I just can't believe this news. My sincerest condolences to her family.

I’d like to leave a poem in memory of Dr. Oputa, one many of us had the honor of hearing her recite many times. Thank you for leavening an everlasting impact on this community you Phenomenal Woman.

“Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size 
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips, 
The stride of my step, 
The curl of my lips. 
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman, 
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please, 
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees. 
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees. 
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes, 
And the flash of my teeth, 
The swing in my waist, 
And the joy in my feet. 
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered 
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them, 
They say they still can’t see. 
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back, 
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed. 
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud. 
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels, 
The bend of my hair, 
the palm of my hand, 
The need for my care. 
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.”