Bennie Francis

Waynesville, Bennie Lou Medford Francis, age 79, of 1049 Francis Farm Road, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2013 at The Homestead. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, she was the daughter of Thelma Jaynes Medford of Waynesville and the late Ben Medford. She was also preceded in death by a sister and three brothers. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and was always full of life. She loved being with family and friends and had a special love for her grandchildren. Her presence could light up a room. She loved to laugh and to hear her laugh, made you want to laugh with her. Her family is confident that before she reached the Pearly Gates, she had to tell at least ten angels how beautiful they were. This is how she lived her life here on earth and Bennie Lou loved everyone. She was a member of Calvary Road Baptist Church, a board member of the Haywood County Farm Bureau, Ratcliffe Cove Home Demonstration Club, a Democrat Precinct Worker, and she and her husband loved ballroom dancing. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 62 years, Wade Francis; one daughter, Sharon McElroy and her husband, Rick, of Waynesville; three sons, Larry and Dennis Francis and his wife, Tammy, of Waynesville and Donny Francis and his wife, Joy, of Canton; two brothers, J. R. Medford of Waynesville and Dwayne Medford of Atlanta; nine grandchildren, Stephanie Bagwell, Haley Schofield, Ryan Cope, Ryan McElroy, Brooke Stevenson, and Austin, Jessica, Andy and Blake Francis; and ten great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Calvary Road Baptist Church with Reverend John Swanger, III and Reverend Greg Metcalf officiating. Burial will follow at Ratcliffe Cove Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons and friend, Glenn White. Honorary pallbearers will be the Marvin Downs Sunday-School Class. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville. Memorials may be made to Ratcliffe Cove Cemetery Fund, 75 Keller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

Previous Events