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Rachel F. Francis

May 3, 1938 — August 8, 2021

Rachel F. Francis, 83, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Taylorville and Pike County, Ill. went home to her Lord, Sunday, August 8, 2021. Born and raised in Tovey, Ill., she was one of seven children of the late Elisha and Tillie (McGarvey) Williams.

Rachel took great pride in her marriage of 66 years and the family she and her husband built with love and respect. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, always being present for her 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She volunteered her time as President of the Elkettes of Bradenton and was a proud member of the AMI Women of the Moose. In her early years, Rachel was an outstanding Senior Girl Scout leader, as well as a den mother for the Cub Scouts.

Along with her parents and grandparents, she was preceded in death by her brothers,Donald, Harry, and Kenneth Williams, and her beloved sister, Audrey Williams Bird and her husband, Millard Bird, Sr, as well as two brothers who died in infancy. She was also preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, George and Marie Francis, and a nephew, Millard Bird, Jr.

She will be remembered and missed dearly by her devoted husband, Clyde M. Francis; her beloved children, Sherry (John) Drew, David Clyde (Rhonda) Francis, Patty (John) Winn, Gregory Francis, and L. Patrick (Shauna) Francis; her cherished grandchildren, Tricia Prehn, Kristina (Fabiano) Da Silva, Sara (Brian) Carroll, Lora (Dillon) Harp, Taylor Francis, Katie (Charlie) Marucco, Kelly (James) McWard, Vivian Francis, Lawson Francis, Leighton Francis; and her dear 17 great-grandchildren.

She will also be remembered fondly by her nieces and nephews; Cora (Walter) Johnston, Paula Fenner, Pamela (Rich) Yeater, Jeffrey (Kathy) Bird, Julio Williams and Edward Williams. She had many friends that will miss her sweetness and warm hugs and smile.

Per her request, Rachel was cremated and she will be interred at Camp Butler Cemetery in Springfield. A celebration of life will be held in October for her Illinois fam- ily and friends, date and location to be announced later.

Family is requesting donations in Rachel’s memory be made to St. Judes Hospital or EFELT.

1 Comment

  1. Sandra(Beemen)Warren on August 18, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Sherry and Patti so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother.was a very sweet lady. Also Trisha she was a great grandmother. Will be thinking of you.

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