Elton-Celebration of Life services honoring Evonia "Van" Williams Francis will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 o'clock a.m. at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Elton. Rev. Freddie Jack will officiate. Evonia will be laid to rest at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Elton immediately following her services.

Evonia's family will receive friends and visitors at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Elton, on Saturday morning, November 11, 2023, from 8 o'clock a.m. until time of services. All of Evonia's arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Elton.

Evonia was born on January 8, 1932, to the union of the late Sanders and Cora Williams. She was baptized at an early age by the late Rev. Campbell, and like many in her day, she was baptized in the gully in Elton. Evonia was a faithful and devoted member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Elton for nearly 80 years. During this time Evonia's love for Christ, her Pastors, and her church family was diligently demonstrated as she served in many capacities including her role as Sunday School Superintendent, Senior Choir Member, Mission Choir Member, Usher Board Member, Mission Department Member, and Adult Class Sunday School Teacher.  She was a faithful and devoted wife to her husband Leo Francis for 67 years until his passing in March of 2019. Evonia worked hard all her life and was employed at Pitre's Cleaners in Elton for many years. She would then gain employment as a Teller at Calcasieu Marine National Bank in Elton where she was the first African American selected for employment by an exceptionally well-known bank. Evonia was known for "telling it like it is" and doing so in a way that would make even the guilty party laugh. Her sense of humor was unmatched. Evonia loved to spend time with her family. Although she never had children of her own, she was truly a mother at heart. Her love for others could be seen through her many acts of kindness, caring, giving, sharing words of wisdom, nurturing, and praying for all. All of which are acts of a wonderful mother. Evonia enjoyed cooking, fishing, reciting poetry, reading, and watching the PBS channel. Evonia will be forever missed and unconditionally loved by all who knew her.

Those left the cherish Evonia's memory include her brother-in-law, Paul Hubert Francis Sr.; and her nephew, Paul Hubert Francis Jr. both of Elton and both whom were raised like her own sons would have been, one very special niece and caregiver, Jacquelyn Boling of Elton; one brother, Michael Williams Sr. of Elton; one sister, Rutha Hymon of Elton; one God daughter, Betty Jo Holden of Elton; and a host of nieces nephews, cousins and friends.

Evonia is preceded in death by her parents, Sanders, and Cora Williams; her husband, Leo Francis; four brothers, Willie, Freeman, Richard, and Allen Williams; and four sisters, Edna Mae LaVergne, Cora DeVille, Bezora Barnes, and Avella Ackless.

Condolences and words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or our Facebook page at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home.