Elaine E Francis

Elaine was born November 8, 1937, in Fort Worth, Texas to Walter and Lillian Evans. The family later moved to Little Rock. She is survived by husband Larry, daughters Susan Jetton and Amy Forsyth of Birmingham and sister Linda Evans of Little Rock. In middle school, Elaine met the love of her life, Larry Francis. They graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1956. Despite attending different universities their freshman year — Elaine at Texas Christian University and Larry at the University of Arkansas — they remained devoted. Their bond led to 66 years of marriage built on deep love, friendship, and faith.

Elaine and Larry raised two daughters, Susan Francis Jetton and Amy Francis Forsyth. Susan had 2 sons and Amy 3. Elaine was a big part of her grandson’s life as they grew up. To them she was their “Bommer”. Larry was their “Bopper”. The grandsons are James Jetton of Niceville FL, Charles Jetton of Birmingham, William Hancock of Phoenix, AZ, Austin Hancock of Manassas, VA, Samuel Hancock of Washington, DC. Through Amy’s marriage, she also embraced Katelyn Forsyth Dellinger of Birmingham as her own. From these grandchildren came 10 great grandchildren who Elaine cherished.

Elaine and a group of other young mothers were teachers in the early days of the kindergarten program at Canterbury Methodist Church. She served on the church staff for approximately 10 years. During this time the program became an excellent pre-school program.

Elaine dedicated much of her life to the sport of tennis. Following years of volunteer work in support of junior tennis, Elaine was named Executive Director of USTA Alabama in 1994, a position she held with distinction until her retirement in 2016.

2015 saw the opening of the new USTA Hall of Fame and administrative offices. Her contributions were formally recognized when she was inducted into the Alabama Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame in 2017. Her legacy continues through the Elaine Francis Junior Excellence Award given annually to juniors who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship and character – values Elaine held dear.

Elaine’s passing leaves a profound void, but her spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A service to celebrate Elaine’s life will be held August 2nd at Canterbury United Methodist Church Chapel 350 Overbrook Rd Mountain Brook, AL. A visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. , with a service following at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Alabama Tennis Foundation – for Jr. Tennis 1108 Herrington St. Meadowbrook, AL 35242