Lois J. France

Lois Jean France of Franklin, Tennessee, previously of Shelbyville, Illinois was welcomed to her Heavenly home and into the arms of Jesus on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:21 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Franklin in Franklin, Tennessee. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Rev. Greg Breeden officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL.

Lois was born February 20, 1933, in Oakland City, Indiana, the daughter of Leon and Rose (Jones) Hedges. She spent her youth growing up in Muren, Indiana. Due to her husband’s employment, she eventually relocated to central Illinois, living in Bethany, Henton, and Shelbyville. She attended the Henton Church of God when living in Henton and was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene after moving to Shelbyville, Illinois. She married Billy John France on June 25, 1948. He preceded her in death on October 19, 2002. Also preceding her in death were her parents, grandparents, one granddaughter, Tonya Renea Butler, and son-in-law, Darrell Gregg.

Surviving are daughters, Connie Butler (Lou) of Franklin, TN; Lucinda “Cindy” Gregg of Clarksburg, IL; son, Kevin Brent France of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Tina Butler Karbach (Brian) of Summerdale, AL; Rachel Gregg Banfield (Travis) of Shelbyville, IL; Kyle Butler (Belinda) of Medina, TN; and Ryan France of Blue Mound, IL. Also surviving are three great-granddaughters; Kelsey, Kaylee and Krista; two great-grandsons, Will & Mac; and one great-great grandson, Hunter.

Lois loved gospel and country music, attending local concerts near Shelbyville whenever she could. Most of all, she loved going to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Through the years, Bill and Lois traveled to Nashville as often as possible to attend the Opry. She also loved her little dogs; Mitzi, CoCo and Buffy, that she owned throughout the years. Lois was known for her style as she always wanted to wear a totally matched outfit, including matching shoes and accessories. Most of all, she loved family gatherings and spending time with friends. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lois’ memory to First Church of the Nazarene, 701 W North 3rd St., Shelbyville, IL, 62565.