Mary Alice Francis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother and wife, Mary Alice Francis who peacefully went home to be with the Lord on July 14, 2025 at the age of 92.

Mary was born on February 25, 1933 in Coatopa, Alabama to Spencer and Edna Fenderson. She was a loving mother, devoted wife, cherished sister, and loyal friend. Throughout her life, she touched many hearts with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering strength.

As a mother, she dedicated herself fully to her children, offering unconditional love, support, and wisdom. She taught us the importance of resilience, compassion, and the value of family. She had an incredible ability to make everyone feel welcome, seen, and loved.

She was a loving and devoted wife to Gaylord Francis whom she married on October 28, 1978 and shared over 46 years of marriage.

She was a graduate of U.S. Jones High School in Demopolis, Alabama. Upon graduation in 1952, she relocated to Oberlin, Ohio where she was a member of Rust United Methodist Church. There she was a devoted Sunday school teacher, member of Usher and Treasure boards as well as the President of the United Methodist Women. In addition, she was employed for 39 years with Oberlin College where she was a Supervisor for the College Dining Services.

Whether she was serving the Lord through worship or fellowship she brought light and warmth to every space she entered. Her laughter, wisdom, and love will be forever missed.

For over 40 years, she was a member of the Order of Eastern Stars, Martha Chapter #35 where she served as the Worthy Matron, the Daughters of Ala Lim Court #205 where she was the Commandress, Heroines of Jericho Floyd C. Churchwell Court #8.

She is survived by her spouse Gaylord Francis, children Ronald (Mariella) Lancaster of Lorain, OH, Maureen (Mark) Davison of Moreno Valley, CA, Anita (LC) Grissom of Chesapeake, VA, Nadine (Michael) Gilbert of Lorain, OH, Michelle Burke (Jeff) of Elyria, OH, Leonard (Elaine) Francis of Elyria, OH, Jeffery (Denise) Francis of Sacramento CA and Pamela (Kenneth) Merchant of Lorain, OH and sibling Jimmy Fenderson of Elyria, OH. She had 7 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces as well as many dear friends who loved her like family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Spencer and Edna Fenderson, brothers Richard, Robert and Duchie Fenderson and sisters Inez Marks, Louise Perry, Vernicha Brooks, Donnella Wallace and grandson Ceaser Lancaster.

A viewing will be on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 10AM until the time of her service at 11AM at Rust United Methodist Church, 128 Groveland Street, Oberlin OH 44074. Her interment will be at New Russia Township Cemetery in Oberlin.