Debra Francis

Waynesville, Debra Swann Francis, 61, died peacefully in her sleep from ALS on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at her home.

Debi was born on November 7, 1958, the daughter of the late Joseph Swann and Marjorie Swann of Statesville.  Her life’s passion was leading youth in several local churches and working with Youth for Christ.  Debi loved her family, reading, movies, hiking and craft work. Throughout her five-year battle with ALS, Debi faced her troubles with saintly optimism and courage and never gave into despair. To know Debi was to love her and be forever loved by her in return.  She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Swann; and her niece, Erika Swann.

Debi is survived by her husband, James Francis; mother, Marjorie Swann, of Statesville; sisters, Cynthia McGee (Barry) of Winston-Salem and Becky Shive (Chuck) of Statesville; and a brother David Swann, of Statesville.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020 in the  Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home.  Services will be live streamed and may be accessed through Debi’s obituary at www.wellsfuneralhome.com/obituary/DebraFrancis.  Please observe Covid 19 requirements, social distancing, and please wear a mask; and bring a story to share.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the ALS Research Fund, c/o Atrium Health Foundation, 208 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203 or Francis Cove United Methodist Church FCUMC, P.O. Box 843, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Debi has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes.