Frances Francis

Frances Neely "Jo" Francis died at her home on December 25, 2022. Born January 9, 1931, in Clarkson, Mississippi, to Esther Palmer and Tom L. Neely, she was the third of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Madelyn Bennett and Tommie Jones, brother Franklin D. Neely and her beloved husband of 35 years, Dr. Richard E. Francis.

She is survived by sons Richard E. (Kay) (Nashville), J. Timothy and Charles J. (both of Birmingham), grandchildren Ann F. Garvey (Matt), James T. Francis, and Neely A. Francis and great grandchildren K. Reese Garvey and George F. Garvey (all of Nashville).

Mrs. Francis graduated from Samford University with Honors and was a member of the A Cappella Choir. While in college, she met her future husband, Richard, a ministerial student at the time. They were married on August 23, 1952. A devoted wife and life work partner, Mrs. Francis was a spiritual leader who served all with a Servant's heart. Her husband could always rely on her to share her time and talent for those in need or to enjoy fellowship in Christ throughout pastorates at several Birmingham area churches including Cottage Hill Baptist Church, Boyles Baptist Church, and for 23 years at The First Baptist Church of Trussville.

Mrs. Francis was born on a farm contiguous to both sets of grandparents in rural Mississippi. There as a child, she learned to appreciate the basic gifts life had to offer and to enjoy all aspects of nature and a rural setting. She kept this love of nature for her lifetime and was an avid bird watcher and animal lover until her death.

Given that her father was Superintendent of local schools, Mrs. Francis also developed at an early age a keen interest in learning, in particular, poetry and music. Both were routinely part of family life at the time. From a poetic perspective, Mrs. Francis, shortly before her passing, could still recite many poems remembered from childhood, including Longfellow's Evangeline in its entirety at age 89.

Music was always an essential element in her life. From childhood, college, and church choirs to performing with her gospel group, The Accents, she was engaged and fulfilled. In her later years, she formed a contemporary musical group that performed at Retirement and Skilled Nursing Centers throughout greater Birmingham. She was proficient in 16 musical instruments ranging from the accordion to the clarinet with particular skill at the piano where in her home, many a day, one might hear music from Mozart to modern day classics.

As the mother of three boys, she served as cook, seamstress, chauffeur, medic, and peacekeeper, all the while balancing gardening, church activities, and teaching fifth grade for over 20 years at Hewitt Elementary School until her retirement in 1989.

Mrs. Francis loved travel especially the adventurous variety. With her husband, she walked Red Square, gathered water from the River Jordan, and visited the Great Pyramids on camel back. In later years, she participated in numerous medical mission trips to remote locations in Central America as long as her health would allow. Mrs. Francis was a remarkable woman, wife, and mother with numerous talents which she shared with many. She will be remembered as one who gave freely, approached life with an adventurous zeal, and had a lifelong commitment to learning. Her family loved her dearly. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 9:30 am at The First Baptist Church of Trussville, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of sending flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, 300 Snow Drive Birmingham, AL 35209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutstrussvillechapel.com for the Francis family.