Sherry Lynn Francis '63'

Sherry Francis was a loving wife, mother, sister, Mimi, aunt, and friend whose life was filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with the people who meant the most to her.

Born in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in Longview, Texas, Sherry attended Hallsville High School. Throughout her life, she built lasting relationships and created countless memories with family and friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Sherry found her greatest happiness in spending time with the people she loved. Whether she was cooking, dancing, sharing a laugh over the silliest things, or simply enjoying time together, she had a special way of making every moment memorable.

One of the greatest joys of her life was watching her granddaughter, Emma, grow up. Being her Mimi and getting to experience each stage of Emma's life was truly the highlight of her world. Her great-nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart and always seemed to have a way of bringing a smile to her face and making her laugh. The love she had for the children in her family was something truly special.

Her love was genuine, her laughter was contagious, and her spirit had a way of lighting up any room she entered. She made people feel loved, welcomed, and important, and those who knew her were blessed by the warmth she brought into their lives.

Sherry was preceded in death by her father, Billy Eugene Gill; her mother, Clara May Gill; and her niece, Brittany Nicole Gill. Left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy of love are her devoted husband, Larry Francis; her son, Brandon Francis, his wife, Lisandra Francis, and her beloved granddaughter, Emma Francis; her sister, Mary Brown, and her husband, Harry Brown; her nephew, Nick Gill, his wife, Brittany Gill, and their daughter, Brooklyn Gill; and her niece, Lacey Cheman, her husband, Bryan Cheman, and their children, Jaxson, Brantley, and Lylah Cheman. She also leaves behind many other loving family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by her.

Though words can never fully express how deeply Sherry will be missed, her love will continue to live on through the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, the memories she created, and the laughter she shared.

The impact she made cannot be measured by the years she lived, but by the love she gave and the lives she touched. Her presence will be missed tremendously, but the beautiful memories she leaves behind will be treasured forever.

She may no longer be by our side, but she will forever remain in our hearts.