Francis S. Hale

Mary Francis Sanders Hale passed away on January 30, 2021. She was born in Satartia, MS on September 14, 1929 to the late Gillian Sanders and the late Reba Alty Mims Sanders. Raised in Louise, MS, she attended Louise Highschool where she was the oldest living alumnus. She married Milton Collis Hale, Sr., of Belzoni, MS in 1947.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Ralph, Marvin, and Gene Sanders, and one daughter, Theresa Ann Hale. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Milton Collis Hale, Sr., son, Milton Collis Hale, Jr., two daughters, Debra DePeters and Linda Banks, two sisters, Patricia Haszinger and Sherry Griffin, and one brother, Dee Sanders.

She was a wonderfully loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. While she touched many lives, she was, most of all, a devoted wife and mother, instilling in her children the importance of life-long learning and caring for others. She modeled this as a nursing assistant for 15 years at St. Dominic Hospital.

Blessed with six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, her greatest joy was in spending time with family while cooking their favorite foods. She was known for her homemade biscuits and sweet treats which were always available.

A family visitation was held on February 3 followed by a family graveside service on February 4 in Belzoni Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends and family wishing to honor Mary Francis are invited to do so by making a donation in her name to Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF), 263 Sutherland St., Jackson, MS 39210.