Martha Jennings Francis of Nashville, born April 5, 1922, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Alive Hospice Nashville. Martha was born in Statesville, TN to the late Homer Lofton and Laura Ettie Payne Jennings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Francis, and brother, Herbert Jennings.
Martha grew up in Statesville and Watertown, TN. She moved to Nashville as a young adult, where she worked for 15 years as an agents records manager and computer programmer at National Life Insurance Company. She married Roy Francis of Auburntown, TN in 1958 who taught math at both Donelson and McGavock High Schools. Later, she became a fulltime mother and was a dedicated member of Donelson Presbyterian Church, where she was active in her circle, Sunday School class, Meals on Wheels, and charitable work. Martha enjoyed her family, travel, reading, sports, crossword puzzles, and socializing with friends.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Ann Freeman, and husband Bill of Johnson City, TN; Laura Piper and husband Stephen of Nashville, TN; grandchildren Allison Piper White and husband Nik of Golden, CO, James Freeman of Nashville, TN, Emily Piper Phillips and husband Josh of Birmingham, AL, Melissa Freeman of Nashville, TN; great-granddaughters Piper Phillips and Jocelyn (Josie) Phillips of Birmingham, AL.
Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00pm, Sunday Sept. 12 at Hibbett and Hailey funeral home, 429 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. The Celebration of Life service is at noon on Monday, Sept. 13 at Donelson Presbyterian Church, 2305 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 with Dr. Paul Casner officiating. Visitation begins at 10:00am prior to the service. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers can make donations to Donelson Presbyterian Church or the Martha O'Bryan Center of Nashville.
COVID-19 Safety: In light of an increase in Covid cases and to protect our unvaccinated children, we encourage you to view the livestream of the Celebration of Life service on Donelson Presbyterian's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJmng3YkFHAzjpWAkXBivfg). If you do attend in person, the family requests that you please attend only if fully vaccinated, wear a mask, and observe social distancing whenever possible.
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