Karen Joyce Francis

  Karen Joyce Moore Francis, age 63 of Bay St. Louis, MS, passed away on Tuesday May 9, 2023.

                Karen was born in Forest, MS on August 13, 1959 to the late J.D. Moore and Rose Moore Benton.  Karen is survived by her caring husband of 23 years Ernest Francis Jr., children, Jeremy Wheeler (Daylene), Ernest Francis III (Sherry), and Madilyn Rosuto (Joseph), 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren with another on the way, sister Anne Cahoon (Randy), sister-in-law Jade Stan, brothers-in-law Robert Francis, Louis Francis (Gail) and Harold Leaming (Jane), and step-brothers Tommy Benton (Deniece) and David Benton (Suzette).  Karen was preceded in death by her parents J.D. Moore Sr., and Rose & Stanley Benton, brothers J.D. Moore Jr. and Willie Lee Moore, mother-in-law Lucille Alice Givens Francis, and son Jason Francis.

                Karen, better known simply as Kaye, grew up as a little freckled face girl in Clifton, MS.  Though life wasn’t always easy, she never gave up.  She was a smart person who readily answered questions concerning history, science, and English when asked by her younger sister.  Kaye was an avid reader, reading the thickest of novels in 2 days.  Kaye could sew and was an expert at cross-stitch work.  She dabbled in pottery and made beautiful pieces.  Kaye loved to bake.  She was known to bake a pineapple upside down cake that was often requested and always enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to get it before it was gone.  Kaye loved flowers and had a green thumb, which she inherited from her mother.  Later in life, Kaye decided to go to college and became a Registered Nurse, proving once again that she could do anything that she set her mind to.

                In 2000 Karen met and later married Ernest (Ernie) Francis Jr., making their home in Bay St. Louis.  Karen treasured the house that Ernie built for her and she soon made it a home with beautiful flowers that were enjoyed by all who were blessed to visit with her and Ernie on the porch overlooking the flower beds and a thriving garden in the spring and summer months.  Karen’s happiest moments were spent in that home with Ernie and her dogs.  A close second to home was camping, and Ernie was always up to the task of building or upgrading campers to make their journey more comfortable. 

Karen fought quite the battle over an extended illness but could always muster up a smile (or a stern look and the point a finger at you if needed). Karen’s battle ended on May 9, 2023 in the home she loved, with her devoted husband by her side.  Karen will be greatly missed by her husband and all her family, who loved her deeply.

Karen’s family would like to express their love and appreciation to nurses who came out and helped care for her in the final days.  Most importantly, we say thank you to her hero throughout this battle, Ernie.  Ernie’s love and devotion was unwavering.  When most would have decided to have someone else care for their loved one, Ernie showed what “in sickness and in health” means.  We thank God for Ernie.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Karen Joyce Moore Francis