Sylvia Mae Francis, 94, of Stoutland, died early Friday morning, March 17, 2023, in Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach.
She was born Aug. 12, 1928, near Abo to Arthur McCoin and Cora Reid McCoin.
She was raised in the Crossroads Community near Lebanon and attended Crossroads School. On March 12, 1949 she married the love of her life, Jasper Jacob Francis. Together they shared over six decades of laughter and tears and the ups and downs of life. They were proud parents of their four children, Cindy, Jerry, Chris and Sharon, who passed away at birth.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper, on March 11, 2016, one day before their 67th wedding anniversary; her parents; her daughter, Sharon; a granddaughter, Lori Pendergrass; four brothers, Eldon, Leo, Bud and Kenneth; and her sister, Norma McCulloch.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Pendergrass and her husband, Carl of Stoutland; two sons, Jerry Francis and his wife Jennifer, and Chris Francis and his wife, Devonna, all of Stoutland; eight grandchildren, Jason, Jerad, Pepper, Joshua, Zech, Rachelle, Nathan and Kayla; 12 great-grandchildren, Jake, Jayden, Lexee, Lane, Haley, Colton, Skylar, Isaiah, Paris, Ariel, Roper and Hazer; three great-great-grandchildren, Kinsleigh, Brynlee and Wrenley; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Sylvia worked at Medley Drug Store for a time before she and Jasper were married. After getting married, she took the role as homemaker and helper on the farm. Sylvia was a wonderful wife and mother and enjoyed her family so much. Family time was her top priority and she loved cooking for them. She was well known for her delicious fried chicken, fried potatoes, and fried cornbread. Sylvia made the best potato salad and provided a real treat to everyone with her hand-squeezed fresh lemonade. It goes without saying she was a great cook and shared family recipes and stories with her children and grandchildren.
She attended Crossroads Church as a child. She later became a member of Highpoint Baptist Church and was a member of the W.M.U. there. In her later years, she attended the Laclede Cowboy Church. She had a deep faith in the Lord and served him all her life.
You could find Sylvia attending the County and State Fair every year. She followed her children and the grandchildren in their activities. She was very supportive and had fun being at their events.
Sylvia was a depression era survivor and as such, saved everything. She also loved working outside in her yard. She had a wonderful garden and canned lots of vegetables every year. She made flower arrangements with her beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed decorating for Christmas and decorating graves of family members each Memorial Day. In addition to these hobbies, she made quilts for her children and grandchildren and had a great appreciation for antiques. She collected butter dishes and kerosene Aladdin lamps.
Sylvia was an amazing lady and was so loved by her family. She was a hard worker and was a friend and family member you could count on. She will be so very missed, but her family will cherish the many memories they made with her.
Funeral services for Sylvia Francis were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial was in Crossroads Cemetery. Visitation was from 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. A memorial to the cemetery has been established and donations may be left at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
For more information or to visit the website go to www.holmanhowe.com.
