Obituary of Phyllis Jean Francis

Mrs. Phyllis Jean (Burger) Francis, 85 years of age, of Brightridge Drive, Bridgeport, WV, passed away quietly at her residence on Sunday, May 17, 2020. She was born September 11, 1934, the daughter of the late Elmer and Margaret (Bailey) Burger. She is survived by her husband, Ronald K. Francis, with whom she celebrated sixty-four years of a loyal and loving marriage. She is also survived by her three sons: Russell Francis and his wife Linda of Bridgeport, WV, Timothy Francis and his wife Michelle of Atlanta, GA, and Jeffrey Francis and his wife Donna of Norcross, GA; seven grandchildren: David Francis and his wife Hannah of Bridgeport, WV, Benjamin Francis and his wife Melissa of Charleston, WV, Ryan Francis of Virginia Beach, VA, Sara Francis of Columbia, SC, Matthew Francis of Atlanta, GA, Leanne Francis of Washington, DC, and Jennifer Francis of Atlanta, GA; and three great granddaughters: Annabel, Audrey, and Alexandra Francis of Bridgeport, WV. Phyllis is also survived by two sisters: Marilyn Howard of Lavallette, NJ and Roberta Kiss and her husband Richard of Palm Coast, FL. She was preceded in death by her brother, Elmer Valence Burger Jr. Phyllis graduated from Alfred University in New York, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. While attending Alfred University, she was head drum majorette and worked as a carhop. Also, during her time in college, she met her soulmate and husband, Ron. Following the births of their children, she decided to become a full-time homemaker and stay-at-home mother. Phyllis had many interests and hobbies throughout her life. She enjoyed preparing half-time meals for her family while they were watching professional sports on television. She was an athlete and an avid golfer. She traveled the world with her husband, golfing all along the way. She eventually won four golf championships at their local country club. Following her husband’s retirement, they spent the winter months in Grenelefe, FL and the rest of the year in Wellsboro, PA. In 2016 they moved to Bridgeport, WV to be near family. She created a close-knit circle wherever she lived and those who knew her adored her. She took up quilting in 2006 and made quilts for any and every occasion. She also played piano. She loved all flowers, including the dandelions her great granddaughters picked for her daily. Phyllis loved baking bread and her grandchildren and great grandchildren treasured the fruits of her labor. Her kind heart was always thinking of others, which she showed by frequently sending greeting cards to her family and loved ones. The list of her hobbies and passions go on and on, but most of all, more than anything, she cherished her family. She decorated her home with photographs and photo albums of her family, which were the most precious blessings in her life. Her loving husband once described her personality traits as: sweet, silently competitive, tenacious, consistent, and caring; a true testament to their unbreakable, lifelong bond. Their love for one another only grew stronger as time went on and they still held hands everywhere they went. Phyllis attended and was a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church. A private service celebrating her life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfunerhomes.com. The Francis family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.