Shirley Ann Francis

Services for Shirley Francis, 67, of Longview, are scheduled for noon Thursday, February 22, 2007, at Little Flock Baptist Church, with the Rev. Leon Veazey and the Rev. James Craver officiating. Graveside services will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Francis died Monday evening, February 19, 2007, at a local medical center, surrounded by her loved ones. Mrs. Francis was born September 19, 1939, in Longview, to Howard and Lucille Davis. Shirley graduated from Judson High School; for more than 25 years, Shirley worked as a medical receptionist for Dr. Clark Dingler and other medical offices in Longview. As a loving daughter, wife, mother, "Nana," sister and friend, she also loved working puzzles, crocheting and traveling with her family and friends. Her husband, Jerry Francis; and parents, preceded Mrs. Francis in death. She is survived by three daughters and their spouses, Denise and Freddie Grubbs of Hallsville, Danette and David Hinson of Palestine and Deanne and Mark Purifoy of Hallsville; and her three stepdaughters, Becky Francis of Longview, Kathy Francis of San Antonio and Julie Evenson and spouse, Fred, of McKinleyville, California. She is also survived by her grandchildren, T.J and Amanda Nicholson, Megan and Daniel Hinson, Michael and Renae Purifoy, Jon Mark Purifoy, Joslin and Joseph Mabry, Gerald and Amy Grubbs and Bella and Simone Evenson; her three great-grandchilren, Connor Croley, Gracie Purifoy and Caleb Purifoy; one brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Pat Davis; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Sissy and Donald Ormes and Mary Lou and Herman Berlin; sister-in-law, Sally Francis; stepmother, Pauline Davis; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and a multitude of friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Flock Baptist Church Building Fund, 14206 FM 968 W., Longview, TX 75602. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. this evening, February 21, 2007, at Welch Funeral Home, 4619 Judson Road. An online registry may be signed at www.news-journal.com, by clicking on the obituaries link.