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Visitation: 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Celebration of Life Ceremony: 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Frances Irene Woods, age 91, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at her home with her children by her side.
She was born August 13, 1935, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, the daughter of John Blueford and Beulah Inez (Sperry) Laswell. She was united in marriage to Lee Nelson Woods on November 19, 1954, and together they shared 67 years of marriage until his passing on April 24, 2022.
Frances worked at the Victory Café in Flora, Spartan Manufacturing, and later for Canteen Vending, where she filled vending machines. A devoted woman with a true servant’s heart, she faithfully served alongside her husband at the Flora Assembly of God Church, where he pastored for more than 47 years. She cleaned homes for many years, serving more than 150 businesses and households, and continued cleaning homes until the age of 89. Frances will be remembered as an excellent baker, well known across many states for her pies. She was a talented seamstress, often sewing her daughter’s clothing. She enjoyed cleaning cars, doing word searches, and traveling out west to visit family.
She is survived by her son: David Woods of Flora; daughter: Paula Fatheree of Flora; grandchildren: Zachary (Vanessa) Fatheree of Xenia and Isaiah Fatheree of Xenia; great-grandchildren: Maddie, Landen, Rayna, Avrie, Lilly, and Zaylee; great-great-grandchild: Willow; 2 brothers: Clifford Eugene Laswell of Louisiana and Dwayne (Kay) Laswell of Orlando, Florida; a sister-in-law: Sharon Laswell; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and grand-dogs: Marley and Maggie.
She is preceded in passing by her parents; husband; 7 brothers: Jesse (Evelyn) Laswell, George (Lucille) Laswell, Sam (Ethel) Laswell, Ralph (Ilene) Laswell, MacArthur Laswell, Fred (Lavana) Laswell, and Ray Laswell; 2 sisters: Marie (Lonnie) Barber and Ellie (Clifford) Barber; 3 sisters-in-law: Alice Laswell, Ann Woods, and Bea Fields-Clark; and 2 brothers-in-law: Paul Woods and Bob Woods.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Pastor Steve Prather officiating. A visitation will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the family, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Jul 26, 1963 - Oct 18, 2026
Oct 12, 1942 - Oct 18, 2026
Apr 16, 1954 - Oct 12, 2026
Dec 13, 1923 - Oct 11, 2026
May 30, 1926 - Sep 29, 2026
Paula & Family, So sorry for your loss. May God's Presence bring Peace and Hope to you all in every way
Paula, David and family, very sorry for your loss but know Aunt Francis is having a great time in Heaven with all her loved ones but most of all seeing her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who she dedicated her life to many years ago. What a great reward awaited her.
I’m so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. She cleaned house for me for many years. We always referred to it as Fran day. To this day if we have a cleaner coming we call it Fran day.
So sorry Paula! My prayers and thoughts are with you!
Paula & Dave and Family were so Sorry for your loss! Momma Fran was an Awesome Woman inside and out and there wasn’t anyone she didn’t Love or do anything for them! She had a Heart of Gold and I will miss her Dearly. But now she is in Heaven with her husband Lee and the rest of her love ones that’s gone on before her and Especially she’s with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ having a time of her Life! I will see her again one day.
Paula and David, so sorry to hear of your sweet Mama's passing. She was always so welcoming to me when I came over to your house as a teenager. I know Mom and Dad thought highly of Lee and Fran. My condolences.
Sorry for your loss. I pray God’s love and strength comfort you as only he can. Love and prayers Wanda Harrell
Many prayers Paula and David, family and friends for peace and comfort. Frannie was a very special woman in my life. She always told us kids "we are family". I will always cherish the memories when Lee and Fran would say they are going out to the country to mom and dad's house to visit. We had great times filled with so much love and laughter! Frannie will be missed by so many along with her wonderful pies and baked goods. Your in our hearts and prayers. Hugs and love. Donna Jo Carpenter
I'm so sorry to hear this. Breaks my heart! Prayers for Paula and David. She was like family.
Im so sorry to hear about Fran Woods She was dedicated to God and her family. And also putting a smile on every one's face My prayers go out to her family.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
