Dortha B. Francis

Francis, Dortha Brackett- age 98, of Philadelphia in the Paint Rock community, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 11, 2024. She was born on February 17, 1926, in Loudon County. She was a member of Cedar Fork Baptist Church, a graduate of Roane County High School and retired from Gemtron Corp. in Sweetwater. 

She enjoyed being outside and working and mowing in the yard and working puzzles with Jay Ryder.

Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Elbert and Maude Fox Brackett; husband, D.F. (Junior) Francis; grandson, Danny Francis; brother and sister-in-law Frank and Anna Rhea Brackett; two half-sisters, Mary Bettis and Kate Alexander; three half-brothers, Tom, Fred (Nip) and Ira (White) Brackett.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Dartis and Kathy Francis of Kingston, daughter Janet Coward of Knoxville, and daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Jay Hines of Philadelphia; grandchildren, John Coward, Stephen Coward and wife Lori, Gina Fink and husband Michael, Macy Hines, Michelle Brossia and husband Elmer. Great-grandchildren, Braeden and Logan Coward, Anna and Aaron Fink, and Jay Ryder Hines; sister-in-law Nola Francis. Special niece, Clarice Brackett and special nephew, Mike Brackett, several nieces and nephews; special friends, Betty Jo Tilley, Eva Viar, and Brenda Wallace.

A special thank you to the Sweetwater Hospital staff, especially nurses Jessica and Beth.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cedar Fork Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1780 Sweetwater Rd. Philadelphia, TN 37846.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Cedar Fork Baptist Church from 1:00 to 3:00pm. The funeral will follow with Rev. Mark Richesin officiating. Interment to follow service in the church cemetery.