Dixie Autry Francis died suddenly at home in Decatur on Dec. 31, 2015, 75 years of age. She was born Dec. 22, 1940, in Valdosta, Georgia to Samuel Kirk Autry and Barbara Byrie Williams Autry. Dixie was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. She demonstrated her Christian belief throughout life by exemplifying the love of Christ as recorded in the book of Corinthians. Her foundation of faith was John 3:16. She lived and died as stated in the following excerpt from “Thanatopsis” by William Cullen Bryant. She prayed that this would be her destiny. This prayer was heard and, on Dec. 31, 2015, was answered.
“So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night
Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.”
Dixie was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert C. Francis Jr.; two daughters, Faith Francis Ashwander (Walton), of Hartselle, and Karen Francis, of Madison; and one son, Robert A. Francis ,of Decatur; also two grandsons, Walton Ashwander Jr. and Reese Ashwander.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church followed by a celebration of life service at 3 p.m. with Reverend Jeff Parker officiating. A private family burial will follow at a later date at Mt. Tabor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to your favorite charity.
Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family.
