UFT Admin
- Retired paraprofessional
Frances Osborne, a paraprofessional for more than 30 years at X754, the J.M. Rapport School for Career Development in the Bronx, whose closest friends knew her as Ozzie, died of congestive heart failure on Nov. 19, 2022, at age 64. She retired after the 2020–21 school year.
Emma Jones, a paraprofessional who worked with Frances at the District 75 school for more than 20 years, called her “a beautiful, courageous person who loved life and liked to have fun.”
Jones said Frances was tough but fair in supporting the students in her charge.
“She was an awesome para who had a great rapport with the students,” Jones said. “She contributed to the school with her time, patience and empathy for our students with special needs. She is greatly missed by everyone who loved her.”
Another paraprofessional at the school, Fain Shepherd, said, “Ozzie always gave great advice and suggestions” to both her students and co-workers.
“The most difficult students would listen to Ozzie when she instructed them in class,” Shepherd, a former chapter leader at the school, said. “She was truly a treasure. I miss her smile and laughter — may she rest in paradise.”
Venise Hibbert, one of Frances’ four daughters, said her mom was known for providing crucial instruction and behavioral support for the students, and for helping to create a positive and safe school environment for both her students and co-workers.
“Our mom was a crutch for so many people at 754,” Hibbert said. “During her viewing and funeral, members of the school told us that if not for my mom teaching them how to do their job, they would have had a tough time lasting in the profession.”
Besides Venise, Frances is survived by daughters Anitra Hibbert, Deidra McCullough and Yolanda McCullough, as well as grandchildren William James Jr., Amani Dobson, Amber-Frances Hibbert, Terrance McCullough, Laelyn Dobson, Kayla Edwards and Gage McCollough.
“We truly miss our mom,” Venise Hibbert said.
