Stella Marie Francis

Stella Marie Simerly Francis, 94, of Jonesborough, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at her home.

She was born in Johnson City, a daughter of the late Arthur Simerly and Laura Belle Melton Simerly.

Stella was a registered nurse, retiring from the VA Medical Center after many years. She also owned and operated Francis’s Antiques.

She had a gift for sewing, lovingly stitching many quilts for her family over her lifetime. She was a member of Jonesborough United Methodist Church for many years.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Nelson Francis.

Those surviving include: daughter, Janie Miller and husband Rev John Miller Jr.; sisters, Daisy Strisingeo and Hazel Francis; grandchildren, Julie Miller, Jeanna Waldroup, and John J. Miller III; great grandchildren, Shelby, Luke, Camden, Payton, Caden, and Katherine Starr; great-great grandchildren, Isabella, Diego, and Isla Mae.

A funeral service for Stella will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, September 30, 2022, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Michael Lester. The chapel will be open at 11:00 AM prior to service for those attending to be seated. A committal service will follow at 1:00 PM at Mountain Home National Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Lenny Smith. Those attending are asked to gather at the cemetery gate by 12:50 PM to go in procession to the committal shelter.