Anna B. Francis was born into the loving family of Marson and Minnie Moore.  Having eight brothers and sisters made for a full home and lots of things to do. Anne can often be heard telling of her early years at home and especially of her mother.  These times were hard but very important to the training and character
building so useful in her later life.

Her upper elementary years and high school were spent at the Hindman Settlement School.  The ladies at the Settlement School were very influential in her learning and character development. Ms. Petite, Stone, Burns, Cobb and White all made an impact upon her life that is still remembered and appreciated.

During World War II, Anna was the Price Administrator here in Knott County.  This job lasted for three years.  Her elementary and high school education now completed, she began to think of her future career.  Teaching elementary school was her dream. she began plans to pursue that dream.  Anna entered the University of Kentucky in the school of education.  Thus began a career that
was to last most of her life and to have an impact upon our county that still remains. If she was going to teach children to study, she realized the importance of studying herself.  Good grades and studying became her task.  Her professors would often see her coming to discuss that day's lecture and how he would accomplish this in the classroom. 

Upon graduation she began teaching in the Knott County School system and did so for 27 years in the elementary schools.  What a career and what a teacher!  Always integrated into her lessons was the Lord she loved and she made that a priority.  She has often told of being the last teacher to leave the building in the evening.  Former students still come up to her at the grocery store and tell her of the impact she had upon their life. 

On February 15, 1946, Anna B. Moore married Clarence Cullen Francis.  Thus began a wonderful 56 year marriage.  Two children were born to this union-Clarence Alan Francis and Thomas Cullen Francis.  Both sons are now successful businessmen in Kentucky and North Carolina.  Both children tell warmly of their family life and home.  Anna has also been blessed with three grandchildren ,
Alison, Cullen and Catherine.

After retiring from the classroom, Anna worked an additional eight years in the family drug store with her husband.  These were also productive and happy years.  After selling the family business, she and Clarence retired.  She still lives in Knott County while Clarence passed away in March of this year (2002).

Another very important area in the life of Anna was her personal relationship to her Lord. She taught Sunday School at the Ivis Bible Church for 46 years and has conducted many Christmas and Easter plays. Many good deeds and kindness were done for people with no one every knowing the source of that kindness was Anna.  She never wanted the "center stage"  and still doesn't.

Submitted by Corbett Mullins