December 31, 2015

A celebration of life service for Dixie Autry Francis, 75, of Decatur will be Sun., Jan. 3, at 3 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jeff Parker officiating.

A private family burial will follow at a later date at Mt. Tabor Cemetery.Visitation will be Sun., Jan. 3, 2016, at 1 p.m. followed by the celebration of life service.

Mrs. Francis died on Dec. 31, 2015, at her home. She was born Dec. 22, 1940 in Valdosta, GA to Samuel Kirk Autry and Barbara Byrie Williams Autry. She was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Francis demonstrated her Christian belief throughout life by exemplifying the love of Christ as recorded in the Book of Corinthians. Her foundation of faith was John 3:16. She lived and died as stated in the following excerpt from “Thanatopsis” by William Cullen Bryant. She prayed that this would be her destiny. This prayer was heard and, on Dec. 31, 2015, was answered. “So live, that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan which moves To that mysterious realm where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.” She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert C. Francis Jr.; two daughters, Faith Francis Ashwander (Walton) of Hartselle, Karen Francis of Madison; a son, Robert A. Francis of Decatur; and two grandsons, Walton Ashwander Jr., and Reese Ashwander.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to your favorite charity.

Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family.