M. Frances Davila

Published 8:26 am Monday, January 28, 2013

FRANKLIN-Martha Frances Davila (aka Francesca The Clown), widow of Joseph Lee Davila and daughter of the late Frank L. Fowler and Bainer Boyce Delk, passed away on January 25, 2013, at East Pavilion.

Frances was born in Norfolk on February 10, 1934, and was a retired telephone operator with C&P Telephone Co. and a professional clown for over 25 years.

She was a member of the Franklin Congregational Christian Church.

A talented woman, in her spare time she loved to draw, dance and garden.

Survivors include a daughter, Maria Elizabeth Dorrell of Franklin; sister, Flora Fowler of Texas; grandchildren, James Alan Stephens, Heather Anne Miller, and Melissa Elaine Shearin and husband, Jason, Shearin; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Linn Stephens, Alexis Marie Dorrell, Joseph Lee Dorrell and Rachel Elizabeth Shearin; and a very dear friend, Wesley Wills.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at Franklin Congregational Christian Church with the Rev. James Hyatt Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin Fire and Rescue at 100 S. Main Street, Franklin, Va., 23851, or Life Star Ambulance at 300 N. Main St., Emporia, Va., 23847. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.