Emily Lou Roach Francis
Emily Lou Roach Francis, age 85, of Java, Virginia, was called home on Sunday, October 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and brother.
Born on January 12, 1941, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Claude S. Roach and Missouri Elizabeth Davis Roach.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence N. Francis; six sisters, Cora Norcutt, Elvin Betterton, Sallie Pruitt, Garnett Hammock, Margaret Riddle, and Helen Marie Roach; five brothers, Percy Roach, Bobby Lee Roach, Marion “Shakey” Roach, Cecil Roach; and foster brother, David Hollingsworth. She is survived by her brother, Wayne Roach, and foster brother, Paul Hollingsworth, both of Chatham, Virginia.
Emily Lou was a member of Shockoe Baptist Church. A hardworking and devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, she began working alongside her husband on their family's tobacco farm. For decades, she dedicated herself to the farm, her home, and raising her family. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and cooking, but above all, she treasured time spent with her loved ones. Her family was her greatest joy.
She leaves behind three children: Annette Burke (Eddie), Sandra Francis Gregory (Chris), and Lawrence N. “Binky” Francis II (Lisa).
She was the proud grandmother of Michael “Mikey” Pruitt (Michelle), Mandy May Dalton (Shane), Leslie Burke Phillippi (Hunter), Amy Lea Lawson (David), Jamie Purnell, Wesley Francis (Jasmine), Jordan Francis, and Ethan Francis (Alyssa).
Her great-grandchildren include Jodie Dalton Robertson (Collin), Jacob Dalton, Paisley Jo Gilly, Meagan Pruitt Robertson (William), Wyatt Pruitt, Destiny Lawson, Piper Lawson, Parker Francis, and Amelia Francis.
Her legacy continues through her great-great-grandchildren, Barrett Robertson and Layna Rae Pruitt.
Above all else, Emily Lou treasured her family. Her greatest joy was the generations of children and grandchildren who filled her life with love and happiness. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories made, the lessons shared, and the love she gave will remain in the hearts of her family for generations to come.
A Funeral Service will be conducted on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 2:00pm at Shockoe Baptist Church, 548 Spring Garden Road, Chatham, VA 24531 with Pastor Zach Hyler and Pastor Donald Shields officiating. Interment will follow at the Francis Family Cemetery, Java, VA. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 6:00-7:30pm at Norris Chatham Chapel, Chatham, VA. At other times the family will be receiving friends at the residence.
