Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Deborah Francis Obituary
MATTHEWS - As the sun rose Sunday morning, August 17, 2025, Debbie Francis, 67, of The Courtyards on Lawyer Road, passed away from a rare NET pancreatic cancer. She was the youngest of seven children born to the late Robert and Jo Francis of Edenton, NC.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her oldest sister, Joan Lane and brother Dwight Francis.
Surviving are her brothers Bobby (Sandy) Francis II, and Morgan (Shirley) Francis, sisters Peggy Hayes, and Kay (Joe) Swift.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Paul (Liz) Lane, Kathy Lane, Mary Jo (Richard) Williams, Robert Francis III, Andy Francis, and David (Jocelyn) Francis, Laura (James ) Francis – McKay, Michael (Tiffany ) Francis, Jennifer Yokley, Amy Francis, and Evan Hayes.
Introduced to technical drafting by JT Lawrence in high school would see her career as a store planner at Family Dollar spanning 27 years. Besides being talented at art and design projects with the help of her sidekick Bobby, she loved to hike. In fact after retirement, she hiked every Thursday with the Haphazard Hikers with July 10 being her last hike.
She had a special love for cats with Bella (Portobello Mushroom) her last furry friend. She was very proud that she donated many pints of blood and platelets. In lieu of flowers, and because of her love of nature and gardening, please plant a tree or flower in your yard or in a greenway in her honor.
Debbie's Life Celebration will be August 26 at noon at the clubhouse Courtyard on Lawyers Rd., Stallings, NC. A buffet lunch will follow the service at the clubhouse.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Francis
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Deborah Francis's name
Memorial Events
for Deborah Francis
How to support Deborah's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Deborah Francis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
