Martha Eileen Francis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Martha Eileen Francis, age 93, of Marion, IL, passed away at 6:33 a.m. on Monday, September 26, 2011, in the Carbondale Rehabilitation and Care Center of Carbondale, IL. She was the daughter of Ben and Lula (Reed) Moore and was born on the family farm, Sunday, September 22, 1918, in rural Broughton in Hamilton County, IL. Martha was united in marriage to Sidney Samuel Francis on April 11, 1936, in Eldorado, IL and together they shared over seventy-five years of marriage. The family moved to Marion in 1950, she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion and was a former member of the VFW Heyde-Pillow Post No. 1301 Ladies Auxiliary. Martha was a loving wife and mother and was always busy caring for the needs of her family and her home. She was a good cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and especially for their many holiday gatherings. She and Sidney spent twenty-five winters in Florida where they enjoyed fishing and frying up their catch. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Sidney S. Francis of Marion, IL; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Benny Joe Francis of Winter Park, FL and James Lee and Julie Francis of Herrin, IL; many nieces and nephews, other extended family members, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lora Berkel and Mary Bonner; two brothers, Claude Moore and Lloyd Moore and her daughter-in-law, Elaine Francis. Arrangements for Martha Eileen Francis were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. A time of visitation for family and friends was from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28th, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Martha’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was on Thursday, September 29, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Land presiding. Comments of memory were presented by Martha’s son, James. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections. Special recorded vocal musical selections presented during the service were “In the Garden” by Elvis Presley and “Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace” both by Cristy Lane. Following the service the family and friends gathered at Abundant Life Assembly of God Church of Marion, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. Interment followed the meal at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, in Douglass Cemetery near Broughton in Saline County, IL. Pallbearers were Rick Moore, Alex Connell, Benny Francis, James Francis, Marvin Bonner and Jim Berkel For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “VNA Tip Hospice” or “American Cancer Society”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Martha Eileen Francis

September 22, 1918 - September 26, 2011