Mary Viola DeClues Francis, 92, was granted angel wings December 24, 2021. Viola was born on August 27, 1929, in Basile, LA to Morris and Ellen DeClues.

Viola united in marriage with Earnest Francis, Sr. on October 20, 1945, and moved to Lake Charles shortly after. To this union, ten children were born. She was a founding member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she served as a member of the Christian Mothers and KPC #141 Ladies Auxiliary. Also, she faithfully participated in the St. Henry Catholic Church Solid Rock Bible Study.

She graduated from Epps School of Cosmetology then owned and operated her own beauty shop for many years to serve the community. During her younger years, she owned and operated the Horseshoe Club with her loving husband. Also, she was employed by McNeese State University and First National Bank.

Viola leaves to cherish in memory 10 beautiful children; seven daughters and 3 sons, Elda (Donald) Black of Charlotte, NC; Dr. Stella Francis of Elkridge, MD; Jacqueline (Tommy) Harris of Aurora, CO; Dr. Ronda (Leroy) Gedward of Stone Mountain, GA; Vallarie Edwards of Austin, TX; Carol Francis and Phyllis (Tommy) Ashworth of Lake Charles, LA; Earnest Francis Jr. of Lewisburg, TN; Darrel Francis and Michael (Tezra) Francis of Lake Charles, LA, grandson, Troy (Leah) Francis of Lake Charles, LA who was raised as a fourth son, godchildren (Michelle Cole, Audrey Joubert Owens and Louise Miles Mason); 31 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Sr., her parents, Morris and Ellen DeClues, Mother and Father-in-law, Sidney, and Estelle Francis. Brothers, Wallace, Leroy, John, Macklen, Lawrence, Nelson, Walter, and Jimmy DeClues. Sisters, Alice Caesar, Victoria DeClues Landry, and Martha DeClues Warner.