Francesa Maria “Dula” Standifer was born on September 4, 1951, in Lynch, Kentucky, and peacefully departed this life on June 30, 2026, at Hospice of Cincinnati.

Dula was born to the late Darthola Peeples Thomas and William Baskin, Sr. (Mildred). She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, James “Baba” Curt Standifer; her daughters, Sylvon and Sheena; her grandson, Anton Denson, Jr.; her great-grandson, Elijah; and her brother and sister, Derrick and Angelique.

As a young child, Dula and her mother moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to begin a new chapter in life. Together, they built a family not only through blood but also through lifelong friendships that became family. Those special relationships were dear to her heart and are deeply cherished by all who knew them.

Dula was her mother’s only child. Together with her husband, she built a beautiful legacy rooted in love and family. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughter, Shearah “DeeDee”; her son, Ivan “Scottie” (Tamara); bonus daughter, Tracy; and son-in-law, Mike.

She was blessed with a large and loving family that includes her grandchildren: Fatima (Anthony), Jameel (Arlene), Jelani, Jamila, Khamisi, Tiara, Jamiyah (Deandre), Demarcus (Jessica), Ayanna, Asani, Taliya, Kaylib, Kayden, Kyrie, Tamara, Tamyah, Jada, Roniyah, and Amber; along with 18 great-grandchildren: Hassan, Rodsheen, Ja’Riyah, Demarcus Jr., Ja’Leah, Ja’Hari, Amauri, , Zyon, Deandre Jr., Brandon, Jr., Braylynn, Jamari, Dreyah, Cami, Jream, and Makaius. She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Sheila, Diana, William Jr., Alan, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

At a young age, Dula gave her life to Christ. She faithfully served for many years as a member of New St. Paul Baptist Church before later joining House of Hope, where she continued her walk of faith.

Dula attended several primary schools before graduating from Taft High School in the late 1960s.

Throughout her life, Dula held various jobs, but her greatest joy came from being a home provider and caregiver. She dedicated more than 30 years to childcare, pouring love, wisdom, and compassion into the lives of countless children. She not only cared for her own grandchildren but also embraced many other children as her own, earning the cherished title of “Grandma” from so many whose lives she touched.

In her later years, Dula was diagnosed with dementia. Although the disease presented many challenges, she refused to let it define her. She continued to live with strength, grace, determination, and an unwavering spirit. Small in stature but mighty in faith and resilience, Dula fought courageously until the very end.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the House of Hope, 930 Findlay Street, Cincinnati (45214). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Standifer family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Standifer family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.