Jeanette Francis

Jeanette Francis awoke in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, May 25, 2019. Always faithful, He bore all her burdens and fought all her battles until they were won. Jeanette was the youngest and the last surviving child of William Green Jones and Milia Jane Black Jones, having been predeceased by brothers, Paul, Ray, and Everette Jones and sister, Opal Shahan. Born on September 28, 1933 on Cripple Creek, between Hartford and Grassy Fork in the mountains of Cocke County, Jeanette grew up playing in the cantilever barn of her grandparents, Matthew Black and Margaret Caroline Hannah Black on Black's Mountain. Her grandmother Margaret Caroline was from Cataloochee, North Carolina, which is now part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jeanette often talked about going to Cataloochee as a child, and as an adult, she often returned to Cataloochee for decoration and homecoming. Jeanette attended Hartford School before her family moved to Newport when she was a teenager. Jeanette, who was of the Baptist faith, attended a tent revival held by Rev. Joe Bullard and met John E. Francis of the Chestnut Hill community. Rev. Bullard married them on July 9, 1955 at his home in Knoxville. Jeanette worked at Firestone and Emerson Electric in Newport, but most of her working life was spent as a partner with her husband in the family wholesale grocery and produce business, Francis Produce, for over 22 years until 2000 when they both retired. Jeanette was a great country cook and fed many family members, friends, and neighbors at her table over the years. She loved flowers and plants and was looking forward to working in her flowers this spring. She also loved and cared for many family pets over the years. She loved her family and was a trusted friend, a dedicated worker, and a loyal neighbor. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John E. Francis of Newport; son, Mike Francis and wife, Connie, of Murfreesboro; daughter Joyce and husband, Benny Conley, of Tellico Village; and son, Mark Francis of Union, Kentucky. She is also survived by five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a sister-in-law, Anna Mae Abbott of Sevierville. The family would like to thank Barbara, Judith, Kim, Chaplain Don, and everyone from Amedysis Hospice for their wonderful care and support. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 28 from 6 pm to 8 pm, at Manes Funeral Home. The funeral will be on Wednesday, May 29 at 2:00 pm in Manes Funeral Home Chapel with Glen Bradley officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.

Jeanette Francis

September 28, 1933 - May 25, 2019