Kathryn Mills Francis

   Kathryn Mills Francis, 84, passed away peacefully at her home on September 10, 2026. She will be lovingly remembered for the warmth, kindness, and love she shared with her family and friends throughout her life.

   Kathryn was a faithful member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, where her faith was evident through her service to others. She served as nursery director and was an active member of the WMU and Craft Ladies. Her love for children extended beyond her church family, as she touched the lives of countless children during her 30-year career as a teacher assistant at Boiling Springs Elementary School.

   She found joy in many simple pleasures, including ceramics, cooking, sewing, and gardening. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family and friends and the memories they made together.

   Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, J.L. and Minnie Mills, as well as six brothers and two sisters.

   Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 64 years, Bill Francis; her children, Denise Francis, Donna (Kelly) Campbell, and Doug (Karla) Francis; her grandchildren, Cole Campbell (Emerald Rollins), Kate Campbell, Caroline Campbell, and Laura Anne Francis; and her great-grandchildren, Corey Campbell and Cason Campbell.

   A celebration of Kathryn’s life will be held at 11:00 AM at Poplar Springs Baptist Church on Saturday, September 19. Visitation will follow in the church’s Family Life Center.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Hospice of Cleveland County, or Poplar Springs Baptist Church.

   Kathryn’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the many lives she touched and in the family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

   A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.