Francis Elmo Pinkney

The angels of the Lord descended on Wednesday March 30, 2022 to take our beloved angel Francis Pinkney home to eternal rest. 

Francis (Frank) Elmo Pinkney was born February 22, 1931 to the late Mildred Brown in Washington, DC. Frank grew up in the Washington, DC area and was raised by his grandmother May. Frank made his way through the public school system and was granted an opportunity to go art school with a full scholarship but was immediately drafted to serve in the Korean War with the United States Army. After his tour with the military ended, he held several jobs to include working as a lineman at Pepco until he landed at GSA and retired after 20 plus years of service.

Frank was united in marriage to his loving wife, Jacquelyn (Jackie) Helen Pinkney for over 40 years and during that time they were happily inseparable. From this marriage there were 4 children, Denise Dean, Wayne (Tony) Dean, Sheila Saleh, and David Pinkney.

Frank, known as Pappy to his grandchildren, was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for his family and friends, most especially over the holidays. He was arguably the best grill chef in the DMV area. Frank was always toting around Jackie and his grandchildren in the various vans and pick-up trucks he owned throughout the years. He passed down and instilled in his family what he valued most: honesty, integrity, love for family, order, and attention to detail.

If there was any way to sum up the life of Francis E. Pinkney and who he was as a man, husband, father, grandfather, friend and true soldier it would be best explained in a quote made by author Jake Remington, “The devil whispered in his ear, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ He whispered back to the devil; I AM the storm.’”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelyn Helen Pinkney, and daughter, Denise Dean. He leaves behind in memory; his children Wayne (Tony) Dean, Sheila Saleh, and David Pinkney; his grandchildren, Mieko Dean, Angela Dean, Colin Dean, Jasmine Pinkney, and Ja’Zarah Pinkney; great-grandchildren, Colin Dean Jr., Victoria Brunson and Mila Brunson; cousins, in-laws, neighbors and a host of other relatives and friends.

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