VALLEY — Frances Lanell Emfinger of Valley, Ala. passed away on Sunday March 11, 2018, at Arbor Springs in Opelika, Ala., after a lengthy illness.

She was born on April 19, 1932, in River View, Ala., to the late Hugh and Emma Smith.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Henry L. Smith (Jean), Roy Smith (Lee), Doris Schofell, and Doris Lovelace (S.E.).

She married John Will Emfinger on November 20, 1952, and they were married for over 65 years.

She retired from the WestPoint Stevens Company in 1997. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her greatest enjoyment came from caring for her family and friends. She was known for her loving nature, hospitality and cooking, especially her biscuits.

She is survived by her husband, John Will Emfinger; children,  John Emfinger (Susie), Cheryl Cook (Jeff), Bruce Emfinger (Ellen); their grandchildren, Robin Bradshaw, Rachel Mahoney (Philip), Regan Emfinger, Allison Cook, Jennifer Cook, Ansley Emfinger, John Emfinger; their great-grandchildren, Harper and Hadley Bradshaw.

The family visitation was held from 6 pm. EDT until 8 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 12, 2018, at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley.  Funeral services will be held at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home at 11 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, with visitation before the service starting at 10 a.m. EDT with interment following at Fairfax Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to Fairfax First Baptist Church Weekday Early Education Ministry in her memory.

Please visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a condolence for her family, share a memory of Mrs. Emfinger, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing.