Vera Ellen Francis

Vera Ellen Francis passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2024, she was 101 years old.

Vera was born on September 28, 1922, in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Joseph L. and Martha (Mattie, Lancaster) Mannich. Vera was preceded in death by her brother Joseph L. Mannich Jr. (Bucky), and her beloved husband of 62 years, John Francis. Vera is survived by her five children, John Francis Jr. (Kay) Boring, Oregon; Susan Gaidys, (Al) Porter, Texas; Sally Walton, (Brian) Chapin, South Carolina; Timothy Francis, (Jeri) Mechanicsville, Virginia; Terri Ann McLawhorn, (David) Washington, North Carolina; her nephew, Steven Mannich, Birmingham, Alabama, nine grandchildren, Laura Jean Salmen, (Michael) Tarpon Springs, Florida; Ruta Gaidys, Kingwood, Texas; Julie Marshall, (John) Houston, Texas; Joseph Gaidys, Kingwood, Texas; Kurt Walton, Leander, Texas; Mark Walton,(Stacey) Pulaski, New York; Dalton Francis, Mechanicsville, Virginia; Megan McLawhorn, Washington, North Carolina; and Anna Slinghuff, (Mason) Mint Hill, North Carolina, 13 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren, with two more expected by the end of the year.

Vera was raised in Birmingham, Alabama with time spent at the family farm on Fish River near Fairhope, Alabama. Vera moved north to the Washington D.C. area and worked for the War Department during WW II as a typist in the steno pool. She returned to Birmingham and became a Candy Striper at a  local Hospital. Vera met her husband to be, Sgt. John Francis, at a USO dance in Birmingham. John always called her "Jo" (sweetheart), and many of her friends and family members knew her as Jo. Vera and John married in 1945 in Baltimore, MD and soon moved to Niagara Falls, NY and raised a family of five children. Vera was a long time active member of Riverside Presbyterian Church in the Falls. Vera provided administrative support to Retail Credit Agency and later to Weber Oil Company. Vera was a tea drinker and enjoyed several cups of piping hot tea every day. Vera liked to sew and made many outfits for her daughters and grandchildren. Vera was frugal and industrious; she learned to can and freeze fruits and vegetables and made homemade jams and applesauce every year. Vera was also an avid baker and her desserts earned a reputation. Vera overcame a health scare and was a breast cancer survivor. Later in life she routinely made stuffed dolls and small quilts for first responders to give to children experiencing trauma, as well as small dresses for needy girls. After John's passing in 2008, at age 86 Vera bravely relocated from western NY to Generations retirement community in Chapin, SC. Although she knew no one Vera quickly acquired new friends and walking buddies. Vera never met a stranger, striking up a conversation with anyone who happened to be near. She always seemed to have a quip, a jingle or a song lyric to share in the moment, sure to make you smile. 

The family would like to thank Vera's caregivers, Bertha, Lisa, Betty and Jarline, for the wonderful care they provided.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held for family and friends on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Generations Clubhouse, 45  Southwoode Circle in Chapin, South Carolina 29036.  An internment service will be held at a later date in Houston, Texas at which time Vera and John's ashes will be buried together.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choosing.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Please share memories and messages on the online guest book by clicking on the “Leave A Tribute” tab above.