Francis Ezell

Francis H. Ezell, age 89, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022.  Born January 5th, 1933 to father, Edward Swanson Ezell and mother, Sara Bailey Ezell.  She is survived by her sister, Sally (Ray) Podesta of Memphis, TN and a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Francis was a graduate of Forrest High School, Middle Tennessee State University, and Peabody University where she attained a Masters in Library Science.  She began her career at the Army Library in Fort Benning, GA.  Francis then moved to becoming the assistant director of the Upper Cumberland Regional Library in Cookeville, TN.  In 1970, she was named the director of the Tennessee Library for the Blind where she received numerous awards and accolades for her work with the blind and handicapped.  She was a member of Calvery United Methodist Church in Nashville.  Francis was also an avid volunteer, serving at Cheekwood, Hospital Hospitality House, Meals on Wheels, as well as at her church.  She had a deep love for family, friends, reading, and sports, especially her beloved Vanderbilt Commodores and Tennessee Titans.  Francis enjoyed travel and was able to see the world with many trips with her sister, Sally and brother-in-law, Ray.  She rarely met a stranger and was enduring to friends and family alike.  Her compassion and generous nature was evident to all who knew her.

Family members will receive friends on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 11:00 until 1:00 at Lawrence Funeral Home.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. from the chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Chatman officiating.  Burial will follow in Swanson Cemetery in Chapel Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, in memory of Francis Ezell, may be made to Forrest High School Alumni Association, P. O. Box 546, Chapel Hill, TN.