Mildred “Bill” Francis
Mildred “Bill” Francis, 96, of Lewisburg, WV, formerly of Kenova, WV, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte.
“Bill” was born March 22, 1927, in East Lynn, WV, a daughter of the late Shelby and Veva Finley Francis. Instead of embarking on her own life, she worked tirelessly to provide for her son, mother, and sister, as well as countless nieces, nephews, and great nieces. She led a selfless life, providing opportunities to any of us willing to work for them, asking nothing in return. She had a strong work ethic and always encouraged us to “keep at it”, which she, herself, never failed to do. When not working, “Bill” enjoyed quilting, sewing, crochet, and reading books.
After her mother’s death, “Bill” retired from Owens Illinois in Huntington, WV. She then cared for her niece, Shelba, until her death in 2009. She was primary caregiver to her sister, Kathleen, until her death in 2016. In that year, at age 89, she was finally able to “retire” in Lewisburg, WV, to be with her son, Eric.
Not one to be idle, she remained busy doing yard work, which she loved. “Bill” always preferred staying busy outside. Her favorite part of this retirement was Saturdays with her son. “Bill” was an extraordinary woman that “kept at it” till the end. She was greatly admired and will be sorely missed.
Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Jay and John Francis; sisters, Calanthe Branstetter and Kathleen Fraley; and a niece, Shelba Davis.
She is survived by her son, Eric Francis; sister, Beatrice Pratt; nephew, Steve (Diane) Fraley; niece, Janie (Larry) Forbis; nephews, Mike, Bob, and David Branstetter; great nieces, Kathy Smith, Michelle (David) Zornes, Sarah (Jon) Tasso; great nephew, Jason (Brandy) Fraley; and a host of other nephews and nieces. She is also survived by special friends, Evelyn McCartney and Susie Yates; and her beloved dog, Issabelle.
Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Calvary Cemetery in the Richlands Community of Lewisburg with Speaker Travis Howard officiating. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of “Bill’s” belief that all children deserve the opportunity to “keep at it”, the family requests donations be sent to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, KY 40508 or visit @ShrinersLex to make a donation in her memory.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.