June Cely Francis

June Cely Francis, 84, of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas.

She was born on May 12, 1941, in Center, Texas, to Tom R. and Hallie Beard Cely. A proud graduate of Palestine High School, June went on to attend Abilene Christian University. She married Charles Edwin “Buddy” Francis in 1962.

June had a servant’s heart. She volunteered at the Stockpot soup kitchen every Monday for 20 years. She was a charter member of the Sunshine Hospital Guild and a longtime member of the Palestine Newcomers Club and Harvey Women’s Club. She was active in the Dogwood Garden Club and a 25-year member of the William Findley chapter of the DAR, serving as regent treasurer and secretary. She volunteered weekly for over 15 years with her church’s food bank. She was very active at Court Drive Church and with its ladies Bible class. She planned and put together elaborate VBS programs for years, and she taught cradle roll classes for 52 years. June loved those babies.

June’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. She loved working in the yard with her flowers. She always had a home improvement project underway. Some projects could be a bit too ambitious, but she would find a way to make it happen. She painted and wallpapered every surface in her home at least twice. She had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. She enjoyed getting together with friends for Uno or bunco and playing Scrabble with Buddy. She loved spending time with her family, and her home was often a hub of activity. Her culinary skills were second to none. Her children and grandchildren will always cherish the memory of Mimi’s delicious Sunday pot roast.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Buddy Francis; parents, Tom and Hallie Cely; and sister, Peggy Chauvin.

June is survived by her daughter Michelle McDougald and husband, Gene; daughter Suzette Makar and husband, Rob; son Drew Francis and wife, Cindy; sisters, Lisa Stark and husband Lynn, and Cynthia Kenter and husband Frank Barone; grandchildren Mallari St. Aubin, Megan McDougald, Cade McDougald, Emma Grace Francis, and Ellie Francis; and her great-granddaughter Ainsley; along with numerous other family and friends.

The family will celebrate June’s life at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Court Drive Church, 1434 Court Drive, Palestine, Texas.

Cremation services are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  Please visit June’s online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence and special memories may be shared with her family.

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