A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14, at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel. The funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Buckner, Mo.
Betty was born April 9, 1929, in Perrin, Mo., as one of ten children to Charlie W. and Eva Emeline (Hatfield) Clevenger. She married Raymond J. Francis and together they raised three children. Betty worked at several jobs over the years, but her primary occupation was a care giver for her grandchildren and nephews. Her children, grandchildren, and family were most important to her. Betty was a member of Sycamore Hills Baptist Church and loved the Lord. She was a strong woman of great character who always protected and cared for her family. She is remembered for her famous (overly) sweet tea, love of flowers, butterflies, birds and country music, and was an avid gardener and cook. Betty is greatly loved and will be missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include sons, Raymond Francis of Lee’s Summit, MO; Daniel Francis of Independence, MO; daughter, Teresa Coburn of Independence, MO.; grandchildren, Andrea Dyer (Tim); Nicole Dickey; Carrie Sandberg (John); Tricia Ward (Clayton); Jonathan Francis (Kirsten); Sarah Francis (Darrin) and Stephanie Ferguson (Josh); 21 great-grandchildren; 9 great great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Slover and Scharleen Witt; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her partner Don Piper; siblings, Agnes Hames, Hazel Rickart, Charles Clevenger, Opal Frazier, Ernest Clevenger, Bill Clevenger and Mary Drake.
The family encourages contributions to St. Jude in her memory. Online condolences may be expressed at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel.