Bertha Jean Francis

Bertha Jean (Polston) Francis, daughter of the late John and Eva (Watts) Polston, was born June 7, 1938 in Lancaster, South Carolina where she grew up and attended school. On March 10, 1956, Bertha was united in marriage to the love of her life, Willie Edward Francis. They shared many wonderful years together and were blessed with six children: Vickie, Becky, James, Richard, Barbara and Billy. Bertha and the family moved to the Fort Leonard Wood area in 1960 due to Willie being in the military. In 1966, Willie retired from the military and they decided to stay in the Waynesville area. Due to Willie’s health, Bertha began working for the Waynesville R-VI School District and was employed there as a cook for 11-12 years. In her spare time, Bertha enjoyed cooking and her family especially enjoyed her chicken and dumplings. She liked to be outdoors working in the flower and vegetable gardens and enjoyed taking a long Sunday afternoon drive and looking at God’s creation. Bertha was a wonderful Christian woman. She loved her family and they were the center of her world. She helped raise her grandchildren because her family was very important to her. She was always a giving person, forgiving, and loving. Her family will miss her tremendously. And even though she is gone from our sight, she will remain in our hearts forever. Bertha passed away at 11:26 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2013 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield. She had attained the age of 74 years. Bertha leaves to cherish her memory her five children: Vickie L. Baker (Frank Baker, Sr.) of Dixon, MO, Becky Allen (Phillip) of Laquey, MO, James Francis of St. Robert, MO, Richard Francis (Melissa Robbins) of Laquey, MO, and Barbara Bradley (Lynn) of Pegram, TN; two sisters: Perline Moseley and Judy Broughton, both of Lancaster, SC; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Willie; one son: Billy Ray Francis; one grandchild: Kimberly Basham; and four brothers and three sisters. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Curtis Hendrix officiating. Rev. Hendrix also sang “I Believe”, “Help Is On the Way” and “I Call It Home”. The song “Amazing Grace” was played. Serving as escorts were Frank Baker, Sr., Ed Hudson, Dale Case, Duane Gan, Bill Hayes and Frank Baker, Jr. Serving as honorary escorts were Lance, Lexi, and Courtney. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery of Waynesville. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Bertha Jean Francis

June 7, 1938 - February 15, 2013