Joanne Marie Francis

Joanne Marie Francis, 67, of Williamston, NC, passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 22, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who will be deeply missed by her loving family and friends. She will be remembered for her strength, selfless acts of kindness and compassion to everyone she met.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Timothy Francis, and their children Nicholas Francis, Colleen Matson and her husband Erik, and Lisa Jones and significant other Alex Cox. Joanne was a proud and loving grandmother to Jason Spruill, Selena Jones, and Kash Cox, all of North Carolina.

She is also survived by her loving sister Julie DiFederico of North Carolina and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Alfonso and Jeanne Salva, and her brother James Salva, with whom she shared an especially close and loving bond since childhood.

In 1992, they founded their family business, Lasca’s Italian Restaurant, in Windsor, NC and worked side by side to build it into a well-known and successful establishment in the community. Joanne thoroughly enjoyed traveling with her family and friends to many places, especially Universal Studios and her home away from home, Key West. Joanne and Tim enjoyed spending their weekends in New Bern, on their houseboat, where they enjoyed boating life, dining out and heading down to BTM for her signature Campari and soda.

Joanne and Tim’s love story was like no other, no matter where it was, if you saw one you saw the other. Their love for each other was a once-in-a-lifetime love story, that inspired everyone who knew them.

Heaven gained an angel, but she left her wings here with us.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm Wednesday October 29, 2025 at Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory and will be conducted by Rev. Claude Foy III.The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service at the funeral home. A small gathering will take place following the service at The BTM downtown New Bern.

Services in Auburn, NY will be held at a later date.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Joanne Marie Francis.