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Geraldine Elizabeth Francis, nee Smith, 93, of O'Fallon, IL, formerly of Hampton, VA passed away on Monday, October 2nd, 2017 at home with her family by her side.

Geraldine was born on April 27th, 1924 in Hampton, VA. She was a 60 plus year member of Queens Street Baptist Church in Hampton, VA, serving as Vice President of the Star Circle and member of the Senior Choir. Geraldine had a love of life and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people. When she moved to O'Fallon she joined New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church in Lebanon, IL and became a Church Greeter. She loved spending time at the O'Fallon Township Senior Center where you could always find her socializing and enjoying people. She will be remembered as an outspoken lady with a genuine smile and laughter who had a love for her family, friends, and life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Virginia Smith, nee Jones; husband, Thomas "Big T" E. Francis Sr.; two sisters, Viola Myrtie Blizzard, baby Ellen Smith; five brothers, Samuel "Badie" Smith Jr., James "Shorty" Smith, Harvey "Tank" Smith, John "Ping Pong" Smith, baby Eugene Smith; and son, Thomas "Little T" E. Francis, Jr.

She is survived by three children, Bernard Francis of Riverside, CA, Zachary Francis of Belleville, IL, Deborah (Terry J. Sr.) Houston of O'Fallon, IL; one brother, Douglas "Ditty Wit" (Anne) Smith of Palm Coast, FL; one sister-in-law, Lou Smith of Riverside, CA; five grandchildren, Ronesha (John) Francis McSwain, Kelena Francis, Thomas J. Houston, Terry J. Houston Jr., Tiffany D. Houston; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.

Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Memorial visitation will be held at New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church, 689 Scott Troy Rd. Lebanon, IL 62254 on Thursday, October 5th, 2017 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Funeral service will be held at Queens Street Baptist Church in Hampton, VA on Saturday, October 7th, 2017 at 1:00 pm.

Interment will follow on Saturday, October 7th, 2017 at Hampton Memorial Gardens in Hampton, VA.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.

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