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Marjoirie Francis

December 3, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Francis, Marjorie Eleanor (Johnson) 2/1/1930 - 12/3/2020 Marjorie, a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, entered heaven to join many loved ones including her husband, sister, brother, and parents. She passed away peacefully with a smile on her face, as if to say, "Finally home." She was born in Warren, Illinois to the late Reverend Melvin Walter and Elvira Dorthy (Sundin) Johnson. Marjorie (Margie) married Walter (Walt) Phillip Francis on June 13, 1953 in a garden wedding at her father's church, First Baptist, in Plainwell, Michigan. Margie lived life to the fullest as a wife, mother, teacher, musician, cook, hostess and world traveler. She and Walter celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary before he passed away in 2017. She doted on her children and grandchildren and spent many hours preparing excellent meals and finding or making gifts for them. She instilled a love of reading, education and of God in them. Parchment Middle School students were lucky to have Mrs. Francis as their English teacher and many commented on how she instilled her appreciation for proper grammar and good books to them. For decades she used her incredible keyboarding skills to play both piano and organ for church services, funerals, weddings, and other celebratory events. Many people were hosted by Margie and Walt over the years at their home in Portage, or their cottage on Gun Lake. Their hospitality was legendary. Travel adventures took them to every state except Alaska, and to many countries. They especially enjoyed their trips to Scandinavia, Israel and a Reformation Tour led by Dr. Edwin Lutzer of Moody Bible Institute. Margie graduated from Northern Baptist College (now Judson University) with a B.A. in Christian Education, and from Western Michigan University with a M.A. in Language Arts Education. She was named an Outstanding Educator of the Seventies in Who's Who. Upon retirement she volunteered in numerous capacities: Borgess Medical Center--Pastoral Care, Borgess Nursing Home--leading sing-a-longs, Berean Baptist Church--organist, Loaves and Fishes--food pantry, and on the board of Hospital Chaplain's Services, Inc., among others. Marjorie is survived by children, Deborah Joy-Francis Holman (Mark), Joel Francis (fiance Diana Smith); 4 grandchildren, Rebekah Holman (Philip Westover), Carl Holman (Courtney Wilkins), Elizabeth Francis, Sarah Francis Milham (Brent Hoogerhyde); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Francis; her siblings and their spouses: Dr. Melvin Johnson and Dorothy Johnson Bourdo; her brothers-in-law and their wives: John (Jack) Francis, Paul Francis, David Francis, Haldene Francis, Marian Francis; her son-in-law, Mark Holman; and several nieces. The family will hold a private funeral service at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services. Virtual guests can view the service via Facebook Live on Monday, December 7 at 11:00 am. Following the service, the burial will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Margie's personalized online guestbook to view the Tribute Slideshow Video, the "Marjorie Francis Life Story" and to sign the online tribute wall at https://www.langelands.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Berean Baptist Church in Portage, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, or charity of one's choice.