Francene Welch Epley, 83, of Dyersburg, TN passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at West TN Healthcare Dyersburg Hospital.

She was born on May 11, 1940, in Gary, IN, to the late Grady Deese Welch and Annie Mae Grant Welch. Francene was a 1958 Dyersburg High School graduate and went on to receive her Medical Technology Degree. She was a retired medical technologist for Dr. Thornton and Dr. Connell. Francene was a lifelong member and Sunday School Superintendent at Finley Methodist Church. She was a member of the Women's Circle, a member of the Lions Club, where she was awarded the Tennessee Lion of the year. Francene was a past member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, received a Melvin Jones Fellow-Dalstaun Award and also received the International President Leadership Medal Award. In her spare time, she was a Volunteer for the Salvation Army, loved to knit and was an avid reader. Francene loved traveling with her family and was an avid stamp collector.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, August 7, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home with Bro. Tyler Neeley and Bro. Ralph Gunter officiating. Burial will follow in Dyer County Memorial Gardens.

Survivors include her two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Bruerton of Dyersburg, TN and Christina Lynn Borden (Brad) of Jackson, TN; a step-daughter, Janet Epley Reese of Memphis, Tn; a step-son, Barry Gene Epley (Dana) of Dyersburg, TN; two sisters, Sharon Rampey (Nolan) of Danielsville, GA and Brenda Chapman of Lakeland, TN; a brother, Grady Deese Welch (Kim) of Finley, TN; four grandchildren, Caroline Love Borden, Annabelle Henley Reese, Richard Thomas Lunn and Logan Brice Epley; two great-grandchildren; three nieces, Sandra Wheeler Bennett (Bruce) of Danielsville, GA, Kristen Welch Willis (Chris) and Whitney Claire Welch, all of Dyersburg, TN; a great niece, Elyse Bennett of Danielsville, GA; and a great-nephew, Wyatt Willis of Dyersburg, TN.

In addition to her parents, Francene was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Epley; and a nephew, Russell Doyle Wheeler.

Pallbearers will be Larry Williams, George Mitchell, Kenny Lyte, Richard Reese, Bruce Bennett and Chris Willis.

Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1015, Dyersburg, TN 38025 or to the Finley Methodist Church Building or General Fund, P.O. Box 24, Finley, TN 38030.

Dyersburg Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Francene Epley. Online condolences can be made to the family at dyersburgfuneralhome.net.