Phyllis Jean Francis

Phyllis Jean (Centers) Francis, 89, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017, as a resident of Friendship Village in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by her family with the support of Vitas Hospice. Phyllis was born September 3, 1927 to William and Hazel (Sheeley) Centers in Springfield, Ohio. She received her primary education in Seventh Day Adventist schools. Phyllis met James Francis at Dayton Stencil and they married on March 20, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio. After her four daughters were all in school, Phyllis furthered her education in cosmetology and put her people skills to work as a manicurist in many Dayton area salons. Phyllis later became a Mary Kay Consultant and enjoyed her experience helping women feel beautiful. In retirement, she lived in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida before returning to Dayton.

Phyllis is preceded in death by parents, William and Hazel Centers; brothers, Roger and Dewey Centers; sister, Catherine Avary and half-sister, Lorraine Freeland.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, James Francis, of 69 years, daughters, Debra (Bob) Bailey, Denise (Dennis) Blake, Danette (Tim) Tritch and Diane Peters; half-sisters, Darlene Dolan, Charlene Hoff and Becky Alexander; grandchildren, Beth Wheeler, Jeffrey and Brian Burdine, Arthur L. Jr. and Elizabeth Peters, Caitlin and Francis Tritch, Charles and Anna Blake; great-grandchildren, Margret, Dominik and Lili Wheeler, David Magnaterra Jr., Hunter Whitt, Madeline, Dayna and Arthur L. Peters III and Kylah Burdine.

A funeral service will be held at Newcomer North Dayton Chapel, 4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, Ohio at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 where family will receive friends Monday from 6-8 p.m. Burial to follow services at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, New Carlisle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Miami Valley Chapter Alzheimer's Association, St. John's United Church of Christ or Vitas Hospice. Visit www.newcomerdayton to leave a memory or condolence of Phyllis.