Mrs. Francill Kendall Howard, 71, formerly of Paris died Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in New Orleans.

Services will be held at noon on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Sparks Street Church of Christ. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Francill Venee Howard was born on May 16, 1954, in Paris, Tennessee, to Ruby and Van Kendall Jr.

She was the oldest of eight siblings—one sister, Teresa, and six brothers: Van III, Rickey, Michael, Edward, Devester, and Raymond.

She grew up and attended school in Paris, Tennessee, where she graduated from Henry County High School. While in school, Francill was a member of the band and played the clarinet. She was also among the first class of students to be integrated into her high school. She later continued her education and graduated from the Delta School of Business in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

On August 2, 1972, Francill married her high school sweetheart, Larry Odell Howard. Their loving union lasted nearly 50 years, until his untimely passing. She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers: Van III, Rickey, Edward, and Raymond.

To this union, three children were born: two sons, Larry Lamont (Winnanseeta) and Nicolas (Ashley), and one daughter, Christy Howard.

Francill lived a joyful life, always smiling and laughing. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She accepted Christ at an early age and remained a faithful servant throughout her life. She was a dedicated member of Belle Chasse Church of Christ in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she taught Sunday school and actively participated in the women’s ministry. Her love for others was evident in her servant’s heart, always giving and uplifting those around her—a value she instilled in everyone she encountered.

Francill worked in the Human Resources Department at Walmart and also served as a substitute teacher until her retirement.

She was a true bargain hunter who loved early mornings spent garage sale shopping on Fridays and Saturdays. She was a natural giver, always ready to help anyone in need. Independent and compassionate, she was quick to travel and support loved ones whenever she was needed. She enjoyed hot cocoa and fried fish, but above all, she deeply loved her family and friends.

Francill leaves to cherish her precious memories: her three children, Larry Lamont, Nicolas, and Christy; her grandchildren, Brittany, Justin (“Duckbutt”), Nicholas (“Skoota”), and Nathan (“Baby”); her Aunt Sheirland Pollard; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-grandson, church family, and friends.

Her presence, guidance, spunk, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Paris 731-642-1515