Betty L. France

June 26, 1924 – December 15, 2013

Preceeded in death by her husband of 68 years, James Thomas, and her daughter, Sherry Lee France Hudnell. Our mother was successful at many things in life, but her greatest accomplishment was that of a loving, caring, non-judgmental mother. Our Mom was part of the “Greatest Generation.” While our Dad was fighting in the South Pacific during World War II, she worked at Ryan Aircraft drilling counter sinks for rivets and ultimately becoming a welding inspector. As a typical “50’s” Mom, she really put to use her inspector experience in raising four daughters. She taught us how to catch lightening bugs in a jar, but also how to take care of each other and ourselves. Mom made us milk toast when we were sick and held us close when we were sad. By her actions, she showed us what unconditional, everlasting love means. Mother’s Day really meant a lot to us and we celebrated it like a holiday every year. We drank tea around a table our Dad built especially for that occasion. We laughed, told stories and planned our next girls’ outing.

We weep today, but our Mommie left us with hearts full of love and joy.

Survived by daughters Karen Tenzer, Susan Franklin, and Peggy France; sons-in-law, John Tenzer and Richard Franklin and grandsons, Erik Tenzer, Christopher Franklin and Jason Hainbach.

Funeral Services will be held 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.