Lucille Francis, age 86, passed away with dignity and in peace on Tuesday, April 3, 2001, at the home of her daughter, Patty Bell. Lucille lived in Sand Springs, Texas for 49 years before moving to San Angelo in September of 2000 where she bought a house across the street from her daughter. In her final month, she was cared for by her daughters, Patty Bell, Peggy Englehardt, and Joyce Francis, who were aided in this noble endeavor by Hospice of San Angelo. To all those with Hospice–Al Stephens, Bobbie Brandt, Carilyn Talley, Becky Makowski and Rebecca Isaacs–Lucille's family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks. From the moment Lucille was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she was surrounded by her daughters. Never leaving her side, they witnessed their mother's stoic valor and, at times, her blessed sense of humor. These were Lucille's selfless gifts to them. Lucille was born on January 2, 1915, and is the widow of Marvin Francis who died January 5, 1992. Surviving family members include three daughters, Patty Bell of San Angelo, Peggy Englehardt and husband, Ray Englehardt of Kingwood, and Joyce Francis of Dallas; eight grandchildren, Brad Bell, Chad Englehardt, Kent Englehardt, Mitzi Englehardt, Amanda Beard, Devin Spears, Erinn Marlar, and Carla Ligon, and twelve great-grandchildren. Lucille was the oldest of fourteen children born to the late Cleve and Grace Nowell, and leaves behind six siblings. She will be greatly missed by her beloved and very special sisters and brother, Sparkie Hay, Ailene Mallicote, Marie Bishop, Doris Godby, Madeleine Berry, and Bill Nowell, along with Louise Nowell, friend and sister-in-law. For those left behind, Lucille will always be remembered as a gracious and strong woman. There are times in our lives when we chance upon people who carry His love and peace in their hearts. Lucille was one of these people. Those whom she met, talked to, hugged, and kissed on the cheek, those whom she loved and kept close to her heart–we will forever remember and be blessed by the love and hope that Lucille fostered and left in our care. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2001 at 11:30 AM at 11th & Birdwell Lane Church of Christ in Big Spring. Interment will be at Trinity Memorial Park where Lucille will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Marvin. Pallbearers will be Brad Bell, Amanda Beard, Ed Gotcher, Johnnie Hay, Daron Moore and Chad Englehardt. Visitation will be at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring on Wednesday, April 4, 2001 at 7:00 PM. The family suggests memorials to Hospice of San Angelo, P. O. Box 471, San Angelo, Texas 76902. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.,
